The Nigerian Federal Government has introduced a new initiative to reduce food prices by selling rice at a subsidized rate. However, this opportunity is exclusively available to Nigerians with National Identification Numbers (NIN).

Government Launches Rice Sale to Control Food Prices

The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced the commencement of a significant rice sale, aimed at stabilizing the food market. Only Nigerians with valid NINs are eligible to purchase this subsidized rice.

The sale involves 30,000 metric tonnes of milled rice, priced at ₦40,000 per 50kg bag.

Purpose of the Rice Sale

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, emphasized that this move is designed to combat food price inflation and prevent racketeering.

Representing President Bola Tinubu, Kyari highlighted that the intervention will be strictly limited to “one bag per person,” ensuring equitable distribution.

Details of the Subsidized Rice Distribution

Kyari detailed that the rice is part of the federal government’s broader strategy to address the current food crisis. He urged citizens to support the initiative, noting that the sale aims to ease the burden of high food costs.

The government’s goal is to make a substantial impact by introducing this 30,000 metric tonnes of rice into the market.

Efforts to Mitigate Food Crisis

Kyari acknowledged the contributing factors to food price hikes, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and climate change.

The initiative is part of the government’s efforts to mitigate these challenges and ensure food security for all Nigerians.

Process for Purchasing Subsidized Rice

To purchase the rice, individuals must present their NIN and phone number at the point of sale. This process is designed to prevent fraud and ensure transparency.

The NIN will be logged into the system, generating a code and a Treasury receipt for the buyer.

Ensuring Fair Distribution

The government has implemented measures to guarantee that the rice reaches those in need. By restricting purchases to one bag per person and verifying identities, the initiative aims to avoid misuse and ensure that the benefits are widely distributed.

Conclusion and Future Expectations

The rice sale is expected to significantly reduce rice prices and benefit Nigerians across the country. The government encourages everyone to participate in this initiative, which is part of its broader commitment to enhancing food security.

FAQs

1. Who can purchase the subsidized rice? Only Nigerians with a valid National Identification Number (NIN) can buy the rice.
2. How much does the rice cost? Each 50kg bag of rice is priced at ₦40,000.
3. What is the total quantity of rice available for sale? The Federal Government is selling 30,000 metric tonnes of rice.

References:

• Federal Government Announces Rice Sale
• Minister Abubakar Kyari’s Statement

Source: ChannelsTv

Last Updated on September 6, 2024 by news

$53000 Scam: A Federal High Court in Lagos has sentenced Ikpaka Courage to two years in prison for impersonating Nigerian singer Flavour and scamming a U.S. citizen out of $53,000.

Court Convicts Ikpaka Courage for $53,000 Scam

On September 4, 2024, Justice Dehinde Dipeolu sentenced Ikpaka Courage to two years of imprisonment for posing as Chinedu Okoli, famously known as Flavour, a prominent Nigerian singer. The scam involved deceiving Yvelte Thompson, a resident of the United States, out of $53,000.

Details of the Crime

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) detailed the case, noting that Courage, a Philosophy graduate, was charged with cybercrimes and money laundering.

The EFCC report indicates that Courage misled Thompson by pretending to be Flavour through his Telegram account, falsely promising a performance in Washington, DC.

The charges against Courage were twofold:

1. False Representation: The first charge stated that in April 2021, Courage falsely claimed to be Flavour on his Telegram account to obtain financial benefits.
2. Unlawful Retention: The second charge involved Courage holding $53,000 in his bank account, knowing it was obtained through fraudulent means.

Court Proceedings and Sentencing: $53000 Scam

Courage admitted guilt to both charges. During the court session, EFCC operative Azibagiri Dan Ekpar testified that Courage confessed to the scam and provided evidence of his fraudulent activities.

Courage had forged documents and created a fake email address to deceive Thompson. He had also used a Bitcoin wallet to collect the funds.

In his defense, Courage’s lawyer, Bayo A. Phillip, argued for leniency, highlighting that Courage had used the scam’s proceeds for educational purposes and was a first-time offender.

Justice Dipeolu sentenced Courage to one year for each count, with an option to pay a fine of N1,000,000 for each charge. The court also ordered the forfeiture of the $53,000 to the victim and mandated that Courage remain in EFCC custody until the forfeiture is completed.

Conclusion: $53000 Scam

Ikpaka Courage’s case underscores the severe consequences of online fraud and impersonation. The court’s decision serves as a reminder of the legal risks involved in cybercrimes.

Source: ChannelsTv

Last Updated on September 4, 2024 by news

Oyo Court: The Oyo court has handed down sentences to 39 internet fraudsters, marking a significant crackdown on fraudulent activities. These individuals faced separate charges related to impersonation, cheating, and possession of fraudulent documents.

The convictions were secured by the Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), overseen by Justices O.S. Adeyemi, Bayo Taiwo, and Ladiran Akintola at the Oyo State High Court.

The fraudsters were each charged with a single count related to their crimes, including obtaining by false pretence. The defendants include: Fasanya Abdulqudus Gbolahan, Nkiri Oluchukwu Destiny, Fakoya Tobi Samuel, and many others. Their fraudulent activities ranged from online impersonation to scamming individuals using false identities.

Oyo Court Sentences fraudsters: For instance, Onah Austine Ayomide was convicted for fraudulently impersonating a U.S. citizen on Facebook. The court sentenced Ayomide to either one year of community service or a fine of N200,000. Other convicts received varying sentences, including jail terms, community service, and fines.

Some of the notable sentences include:

• Tunde: One month jail term or N250,000 fine.
• Abeeb Ayomide: Six months of community service plus a fine of N500,000.
• Sijuola: One month community service or N100,000 fine.
• Olatunde and Opemiposi: Three months community service without the option of a fine.

Additionally, certain convicts forfeited their vehicles and other assets to the Federal Government. These sentences come as part of a broader effort by the EFCC to combat internet fraud and deter similar activities.

The operation that led to these convictions involved a coordinated sting operation targeting internet fraud activities. This significant legal action underscores the commitment of Nigerian authorities to address and reduce cybercrime in the region.

Source: ChannelsTv

Last Updated on September 4, 2024 by news