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CUPP states that Nigeria is now a place where citizens are engaged in a battle and striving for rice.
The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has expressed deep concern over the recent tragic incidents in which 63 individuals lost their lives in desperate scrambles for rice across various states in Nigeria, including the South East, South West, and North Central regions. These unfortunate events serve as a sobering reminder of the distressing contradictions facing the nation.
Reports indicate that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command recovered approximately ten bodies following one of these shocking episodes, alongside numerous hospitalizations. In Anambra State, a stampede during a rice distribution event resulted in the deaths of at least 22 individuals from the Okija community. Additionally, an earlier occurrence at a carnival in Ibadan claimed over 35 lives, primarily affecting children.
In a statement signed by Chief Peter Ameh, the national secretary of CUPP, the coalition lamented the stark juxtaposition of Nigeria’s abundant agricultural potential against the harsh reality where citizens are compelled to fight for basic sustenance. “A country blessed with 39.6 million hectares of arable land… is home to citizens who die in desperation, struggling for a bag of rice,” the statement emphasized.
CUPP’s reaction underscores a critical indictment of governance in Nigeria, characterized by systemic incompetence and corruption. The coalition argues that such dire situations highlight a fundamental failure to utilize the nation’s vast resources to meet the essential needs of its populace. The struggle for a staple food item like rice indicates a severe inadequacy within the agricultural sector—a sector that holds the promise of transforming Nigeria into a breadbasket not just for its own citizens, but for the entire West African region.
This harrowing series of events calls for urgent reflection and action to reform agricultural policies and address the underlying issues of governance. Until such changes are made, the tragic loss of life in the quest for food will remain a poignant testament to the urgent need for systemic reform in Nigeria.
The Federal Government has declared a state of emergency on the construction of the Suleja-Minna road. Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced the declaration on Saturday following an inspection of the road. He stated that the project, initially awarded to Salini Nigeria Limited, had been poorly executed or abandoned.
Umahi explained that despite repeated attempts to have Salini repair the road over the past year and a half, progress had been unsatisfactory. Niger Governor Mohammed Bago raised concerns with President Bola Tinubu, prompting the Ministry of Works to intervene. The road, described as being “in a very terrible situation delaying travel time by seven hours instead of an hour and half hours and vehicles are falling and killing people,” has been designated an emergency project.
The contract with Salini has been irrevocably terminated due to substandard work. Umahi has directed his ministry to recover funds owed by Salini, potentially involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Two contractors are now engaged in the project. CCCC International Engineering Nigeria Ltd. has been contracted to handle part of the road, with 60km already completed under the Governor’s urban renewal agenda. CCCC has been given 10 days to mobilize and commence work on a critical 7km stretch. Umahi emphasized that work will begin immediately under emergency procurement guidelines, with pricing to be verified subsequently.
The Nigerian film industry is in mourning following the death of Kayode Peters, a renowned filmmaker and producer. The news was announced by his family on his official Instagram page, stating that he passed away peacefully on the morning of Saturday, June 28, 2025, in Toronto, Canada, after a long illness.
Peters, fondly known as KP, was celebrated for his contributions as a filmmaker, actor, and producer. He was known for his role as Koko in the popular sitcoms “Twilight Zone” and “Flatmates” in the early 2000s. His work also extended to stage plays and sitcoms like “Extended Family” and “Being Farouk,” significantly impacting Nigeria’s contemporary theatre and television landscape.
He is survived by his wife, Alexander, and their children. Funeral arrangements are underway, and further details will be shared by the family in due course. The industry and fans alike will deeply miss his warmth, generosity, and contributions to Nollywood.
President Bola Tinubu arrived in Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia, on Saturday, marking the commencement of a two-nation tour encompassing the Caribbean and South America. Upon arrival at Hewanorra International Airport, he was received with full military honors by Governor-General Errol Melchiades Charles and Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre.
The President’s itinerary includes courtesy visits to the Governor-General and Prime Minister, followed by an address to a joint session of the Senate and the House of Assembly of Saint Lucia. Discussions will focus on deepening cooperation between Nigeria and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), with emphasis on economic partnerships and cultural solidarity. A visit to the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College is also planned to strengthen educational ties.
Following his engagements in Saint Lucia, President Tinubu will proceed to Brazil to participate in the 2025 BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, attending at the invitation of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil. Nigeria’s participation as a ‘partner country’ underscores its commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic relations on a global scale.
Federal Government Declares State of Emergency on Suleja-Minna Road.
Nollywood Mourns the Loss of Kayode Peters.
President Tinubu Begins Two-Nation Tour with State Visit to Saint Lucia.
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News1 day agoNigeria’s tax reform bills rename FIRS to Nigeria Revenue Service.
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News1 day agoPresident Tinubu Begins Two-Nation Tour with State Visit to Saint Lucia.
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Entertainment23 hours agoNollywood Mourns the Loss of Kayode Peters.
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News23 hours agoFederal Government Declares State of Emergency on Suleja-Minna Road.