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Tag: Sugar

  • Buhari vows to make Nigeria leading Sugar producer, approves US$73m, 10,000 hectares

    Buhari vows to make Nigeria leading Sugar producer, approves US$73m, 10,000 hectares

    President Muhammadu Buhari commenced the week under review with the inauguration of a US$ 73 million intervention fund for irrigation, to boost the Sugar backward integration programme aimed at making Nigeria a leading sugar producing country in Africa.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that to actualise this dream, an agreement between the federal government and the operators of the Sugar backward integration programme was also signed on Dec. 21, 2021, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Speaking at the event, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Niyi Adebayo, who represented President Buhari, said: “This morning I represented the President at the formal commissioning of the Presidential project on irrigation infrastructure.

    “The intervention is the setting up of a US$73 million intervention fund for irrigation, for operators of the Sugar backward Intervention Programme.

    “The goal is to support the development of irrigation infrastructure on 10,000 hectares of sugar plantations located in six sites in Numan (Adamawa State), Sumti (Niger State), Lafiagi (Kwara), Bacita (Kwara) as well as in Toto and Tunga, both in Nasarawa state.

    “The Central Bank of Nigeria is also involved in the provision of required funding for the project as well.”

    According to Adebayo, the aim of the programme is to increase Nigeria’s sugar yield, in line with its quest of becoming self-sufficient in Sugar production.

    “The aim is to increase significantly the sugar yield so that we can work within the National Sugar Development master plan, with a view to Nigeria becoming self-sufficient in sugar production and possibly becoming a net exporter of sugar.’’

    Also speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary, National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), Mr. Zacch Adedeji, said the intervention is part of government’s determination to provide an enabling environment for private investments to thrive and flourish in the country.

    He said: “Preliminary activities, including identification of the specific project sites for each operator, include framework for design and engineering services for the in-field and bulk water supply systems, project management and maintenance specifications.

    “In addition to the adoption of a business model and costing, among others, it was concluded long before the formal commissioning of this laudable initiative.’’

    The Presidency also inaugurated an IT training Centre to be facilitated by Internet giant, Galaxy Backbone.

    The Centre, located within the State House Auditorium, was built with a robust Internet Connectivity to assist the staff in modernising their work processes.

    Inaugurating the project on Tuesday, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Folashade Yemi-Esan, commended the authorities for facilitating the establishment of the Centre, adding that the project would add to the digital skills of the State House staff.

    She warned that the country’s civil service is transiting and staff members who failed to avail themselves with digital skills would be left behind.

    The Chairman, Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Dr Kayode Fayemi, also on Dec. 21, met behind closed door with President Buhari, where he lauded him on behalf of his colleagues, for addressing economic challenges facing State Governments through the provision financial assistance.

    He expressed grief over the heart-wrenching murder of 45 farmers and scores injured following renewed hostilities in Lafia, Obi and Awe Local Government Areas of Nasarawa State.

    President Buhari also commiserated with the government and people of Abia as well as the Nigeria Union Journalists (NUJ) on the passing of a former national president of the union, Mr Bonnie Nwoha, in the week under review.

    Buhari said the sympathies of the entire nation were with the affected families.

    On Dec. 22, President Buhari met behind closed door with Gov. Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State in the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Tuesday.

    Speaking to State House correspondents on the outcome of the meeting, the governor said he updated the president on security development in Kaduna state where about 40 villagers were killed by terrorists three days ago.

    The governor, who was accompanied by the State Commissioner for Internal Security, Samuel Aruwan, stated that he asked for the intervention of the President for more deployment of security forces and comprehensive operations.

    The President inaugurated Nigeria’s National Development Plan 2021-2025 to succeed the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP 2017-2020), saying Nigeria needs an investment size of N348.1 trillion to achieve the targets set out in the Plan.

    NAN reports that the president presented the document to the public shortly before the commencement of the virtual meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) held at the council chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Wednesday.

    The Nigerian Governors’ Forum, represented by Gov. Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State, hailed President Buhari for giving the country a new National Development Plan.

    According to Bagudu, the Development Plan 2021-2025 is all inclusive and will help the country consolidate on the gains of previous ones.

    The president later presided over the meeting of the the Federal Executive Council (FEC) where the Council approved N5.7 billion for the execution of two Water Supply projects in Yobe and purchase of seeds for various crops to boost food production in the country.

    The virtual meeting was presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari in the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Wednesday.

    President Buhari, who visited Maiduguri on Thursday, urged troops of Operation Hadin Kai to remain steadfast as they go into the final phase of the campaign against insurgency and other forms of criminalities.

    According to President Buhari, the entire nation remains grateful for the gallantry displayed in ensuring gradual return of peace to the North East, while condoling with families that have lost loved ones, and the wounded.

    While in Maiduguri, Buhari inaugurated Oriental Energies Resource Ltd Hanger, Muhammadu Indimi Distance Learning Centre and an International Conference Centre, saying his administration will keep giving its best for the development of the country until May, 2023, reiterating that he will handover as stipulated by the Constitution.

    The Centre was donated to the University of Maiduguri by business mogul, Alhaji Muhammadu Indimi, in Maiduguri, Borno.

    President Buhari, who presided over an emergency meeting of the National Security Council, also swore in the newly appointed Minister, representing Taraba, Malam Muazu Sambo.

    NAN reports that the swearing in of the minister was held shortly before the opening of the meeting of the Security Council in the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Friday.

    Sambo, who replaced former Minister of Power, Mamman Sale, from Taraba, was posted to Ministry of Works and Housing as Minister of State, Works and Housing.

    The Nigerian leader ended the week under review in a festive mood as he hosted Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo and members of his immediate family, who paid him Christmas homage in the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Saturday.

    NAN observed that the vice-president, who spent Christmas in Abuja for the first time in the last six and half years, offered special prayers for the general progress of the country as well as the well-being of the first family and the citizens.

    The vice-president, who also spoke to State House correspondents, described the visit as memorable.

    President Buhari had earlier wished Nigerians Merry Christmas, and also expressed his administration’s commitment to uplifting the quality of life of all citizens, assuring that he will not abandon the promises made to Nigerians.

  • TNG health tips: Consuming too much sugar does not cause diabetes [Facts/Myth]

    TNG health tips: Consuming too much sugar does not cause diabetes [Facts/Myth]

    All you need to know about diabetes, the facts and myth are succinctly captured in this edition of TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) health tips.

    (1) Myth: Eating too much sugar causes Sugar diabetes

    Fact: Sugar does not cause it.

    Sugar Diabetes (medically known as Diabetes Mellitus) occurs when something happens to disrupt the way the body utilizes the sugar/glucose within it.

    (2) Myth: Sugar Diabetes can be cured by Fasting, Keto diets, Agbo, Moringa seeds, reducing sugar intake and Exercising.

    Fact : Diabetes mellitus does not have a known cure, but it can be managed effectively with Dietary changes, Lifestyle modification and Medication.

    (3) Myth: People with sugar diabetes cannot eat carbohydrates. It must be beans.

    Fact: People with diabetes mellitus can eat almost anything they like, as long as they control their portions and fix it into their normal meal plans.

    (4) Myth: Insulin is dangerous.

    Fact : Insulin injections are a lifesaver for millions around the world. It is only dangerous when it is misused.

    (5) Myth: Sugar diabetes only affects overweight people

    Fact: Around 20% of people who have Diabetes mellitus are either of normal weight or underweight. So it can affect any weight type.

  • Rivalry war: Ganduje, others wade in, reconcile Aliko Dangote, Abdussamad Isyaka-Rabi’u over sugar plant saga [Photo]

    Rivalry war: Ganduje, others wade in, reconcile Aliko Dangote, Abdussamad Isyaka-Rabi’u over sugar plant saga [Photo]

    Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano state has waded into the dispute between Dangote and BUA companies owned by two business moguls from the state.

    This is in order to resolve the lingering conflict among the two Kano State prominent indigenes Aliko Dangote and Abdussamad Isyaka-Rabi’u over the establishment of a Sugar plant by BUA.

    A statement by Abba Anwar, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor on Thursday in Kano, said the reconciliation meeting took place on Wednesday in Abuja.

    He said that Alhaji Aminu Dantata, Kano Emirate and the Kano State Council of Imams joined the governor in the reconciliation meeting.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that recently there were reports that Dangote complaints about the establishment of a sugar plant by BUA International Limited in the Port Harcourt free trade zone, saying it was out of tune with export laws.

    Anwar said that after the meeting, Chairmen of both Dangote and BUA agreed to work together to supply enough sugar to satisfy the demand of the country.

    According to him, the meeting put a stop to all rumours that the duo was in dispute over sugar business control in the country.

    “They all dismissed allegations that Dangote was planning to see the increase of sugar price, thereby pressurising BUA to succumb to the increment. They described the allegation as baseless and lacking any iota of truth.

    “The meeting was seen as the zenith of other similar efforts to reconcile the two giants by the governor. Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata played the role of a father during the meeting,” Anwar said.

    Present at the meeting were the Minister for Commerce, Trade and Investment, Mr Niyi Adebayo and representative of the Kano Emirate, Alhaji Aminu Dan-Agundi.

    Others are Chairman of the Council of Kano Imams, Sheikh Muhammad Nasir-Adam, the Chief Imam of Sheikh Ahmadu Tijjani Friday Mosque, Kofar Mata, Kano and the Chairman of NEPZA, Adamu Panda.

    All the two business moguls agreed to work together in unity for the growth and development of the nation.

  • Nigeria loses 300,000 tonnes of sugar to smugglers annually – Dangote

    Nigeria is currently losing at least 300,000 tonnes of sugar to smuggling annually, the Chairman, Dangote Group, Alh. Aliko Dangote, has said.

    He made this known during the Dangote Sugar Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos on Tuesday.

    He said that the smuggling activities in the sugar industry had hindered the employment of at least 250, 000 Nigerians.

    According to him, it has also led to economic sabotage.

    Dandote acknowledged that negative activities made 2018 a challenging year for the company.

    He identified the influx of smuggled sugar into key markets nationwide as one of such negative activities.

    According to him, the Apapa gridlock also affected the evacuation of products from the refinery and constrained logistics operations, distribution, and delivery to customers.

    He said that the performance of Savannah Sugar Company was impacted by communal clashes between the host community and herdsmen.

    The industrialist said that the situation led to the closure of the company for more than three months.

    The business mogul said that despite the challenges, the company continued to post resilient performance.

    He disclosed that the company achieved a Group turnover of N150.4 billion, a 26 per cent decrease over N204.4 billion posted in 2017.

    According to him, a profit before tax of N34.6 billion, and a profit after tax of N22 billion Naira.

    Dangote said that EBITDA decreased to N37.6 billion compared to N51.4 billion achieved in 2017.

    He disclosed that the Board recommended and shareholders ratified the payment of a total dividend of N13.2 billion, being N1.10 per ordinary share of 50 kobo for the year ended December 31, 2018.

    Mr Ravindra Singhvi, Chief Operating Officer, Dangote Sugar Refinery, said that the future outlook for the company was to continue to leverage on its strength.

    He said that the company would maximize opportunity to generate sales, increase market share and create sustainable value for all stakeholders.

    Singhvi said that though the terrain remains challenging, the company was committed to rapidly adapting to market changes and employ numerous levers to mitigate major effects on performance in the years ahead.

    Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr Boniface Okezie, National Coordinator, Progressive Shareholders Association of Nigeria, urged the Nigeria Customs Service to improve its efforts in reducing smuggling activities in the country.

    He also advised Dangote Sugar to explore the option of having a cube sugar in its range of products to shore its earnings.

    Also, Mr Sunny Nwosu, National Coordinator, Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria, advised the company to embark on research that would make sugar acceptable to consumers health wise.

    He said that many consumers were shying away from the consumption of sugar due to fear of diabetes, adding that achieving breakthrough in the research would assist to increase their customer base.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Dangote Sugar Refinery, Apapa, is one of the largest sugar refineries in the world, with 1.44 metric tonnes per annum installed capacity.

    With a current 70 per cent capacity utilisation, the company is implementing various initiatives and projects toward continuous improvement in operations, targeted at sustaining its leadership position in the Nigerian sugar industry.

  • Speaker Dogara mourns slain Oyo lawmaker, Sugar

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has commiserated with the family of slain Oyo lawmaker, Olatoye Temitope, who was shot at a polling unit during Saturday’s elections in the state.

    Mr Olatoye, the lawmaker representing Lagelu/Akinyele federal constituency of the state, died following gunshot injuries he received.

    The deceased was shot in the eye by political thugs at a collation centre in Elesu, Lagelu Local Government Area and later confirmed dead by the University Teaching Hospital in Ibadan.

    In a message on his Twitter handle @YakubDogara on Saturday night, Mr Dogora described the killing as shocking, primitive and wicked.

    “I received with shock, the sad and distressing news of the assassination of my brother and colleague, Hon. Olatoye Temitope Sugar, in Oyo State today. The murder of Hon Sugar in election violence today is primitive, wicked, inhumane, barbaric and highly condemnable,” Mr Dogora said.

  • Agbalumo lowers blood sugar, cholesterol – expert

    Agbalumo lowers blood sugar, cholesterol – expert

    Dr Andrew Marbell, a nutritionist says the African star apple, popularly known as “agbalumo’’ in Yoruba can lower blood sugar, cholesterol, useful in preventing and good for treating heart diseases.

    Marbell disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.

    He said that “agbalumo’’, also known as “udara’’ in Igbo has some nutritional advantages which contains more Vitamin C and ascorbic acid than orange.

    “This vitamin helps in preventing sour throat, constipation and toothache.

    “In some parts of Nigeria, the seed is used in treating skin infections and it is believed that consuming it can help fight some cancers and diabetes,’’ he said.

    He said that “agbalumo’’ serves as a natural source of anti-oxidant booster to remove free radicals from oxidative stress disorders.

    Marbell added said that agbalumo could help one to lose weight because the fruit contributes about three grams of fiber to the recommended daily intake of 25 to 38 grams.

    “Fibre provides bulk to your diet, a factor that can make your stomach feel fuller for longer.

    “The different parts like the roots, bark and leaves are used for cough, yellow fever, high blood pressure and much more,’’ he said.

    Nutritionist, however, said that Africa star apple is one of the best fruits for pregnant women because it provides a lot of energy and is rich in moisture.

    “It also contains such useful element as phosphorus, calcium, iron, dietary, fibre and protein.

    “An Africa pregnant woman can enjoy all the amazing effects from eating the star apple,’’ he said.

  • Hardship: ‘Our logo isn’t honey, sugar..it is broom to sweep away PDP’s 16 years of corruption – Tinubu

    All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart Asiwaju Bola Tinubu yesterday advised Nigerians to unite with the Muhammadu Buhari in fighting corruption, stressing journey is, however, not going to be an easy one.

    He said: “We came as APC leaders with a lot of hope. We were discussing. We believe in ourselves and Nigeria, that we can change Nigeria. And we are still going to do it again. It came with challenges. Our logo is not honey or sugar, but broom; a united Nigeria against terrorism, corruption, insecurity and for the revival of the economy.”

    Speaking at his 66th birthday’s colloquium in Lagos, the former lagos State governor described the apology tendered last week by Peoples Democratic Party, PDP National Chairman Uche Secondus as “deceitful”, meant to hoodwink Nigerians to get a political advantage.

    He said the apology cannot change the effect of the damage already done to the economy.

    ”Nigerians should not accept PDP’s apologies, they are corrupt, they lied, they falsified, they changed figures.

    “For 16 years, they made fake promises, gave us fake figures, and they tell us, ‘Don’t talk about it’.

    “It is like, after catching a thief and he tells you, ‘Don’t look at me, go and steal your own’. We are soldering on. We have a good leader to rely on. We have hope.”

    At the colloquium, which is the 10th edition, were President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, host Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and many other governors, lawmakers, ministers, past governors, past ministers, traditional rulers, top industrialists and other categories of people and associates of the celebrator.

    The former governor also chided (although without making direct reference to him) former President Olusegun Obasanjo for writing a letter advising President Muhammadu Buhari not to contest in 2019, besides castigating his administration.

    Tinubu said it was was full of bile.

    He added: “My grandmother used to send me to a letter writer. Someone is writing letters these days, a letter of politics as if they have never been there before. Bad belle letters.

    “The ship of state was about to wreck, but President Buhari steered the ship back. The voyage is the voyage of hope. We are reinventing and re-directing Nigeria. It is not an easy voyage to embark on.”

    An excited Tinubu was full of praises for the President, the vice president, governors, legislators and other dignitaries who came to honour him. He also thanked his wife, Oluremi, “for tolerating hme”, adding that she had no choice.

    He applauded Ambode for his exceptional commitment to the progress and economic development of Lagos State.

    In an obvious reference to the endorsement of the governor for a second term by stakeholders, Tinubu said after many work, “the result is more work”.

    He also hailed the cordial relations between the governor and his deputy, Dr. Idiat Adebule.

    Acknowledging Ambode’s achievements, Tinubu said: “I can see what the government is doing with so little. It has produced results.”

    The former governor traced the genesis of the Buhari administration to the epic battle to effect a change in the polity, stressing that Nigeria has reaped the dividends.

    He said: “We came as APC leaders with a lot of hope. We were discussing. We believe in ourselves and Nigeria, that we can change Nigeria. And we are still going to do it again. It came with challenges. Our logo is not honey or sugar, but broom; a united Nigeria against terrorism, corruption, insecurity and for the revival of the economy.”

    Tinubu disagreed with people who said the APC should stop reminding Nigerians about the corrupt activities of the Jonathan administration. He said a great lesson could be learnt from the perfidy of the former ruling party.

    He said: “They say we should not talk about corruption. What should we talk about? If we don’t talk about it, what is the lesson to all Nigerians?”

    Tinubu, who thanked Nigerians for their patience and support for the APC government, said the PDP should not return to power to continue what he called the looting of the economy.

    He added: “Forget those parties. They won’t come back. We did not envisage that there would be no such challenges. So, we report back to Nigerians about what we found on ground. We did not say that there would be no challenges because, even America is facing challenges.

    “PDP looted and wasted our resources. They misused our resources. There is a clear understanding here. There is a difference between us and them, a difference between night and day.”

  • Diabetes: Coca-Cola, Pespi, five others agree to limit sugar content of drinks

    Seven major drinks companies including Coca-Cola and PepsiCo will limit the sugar content of drinks they sell in Singapore, as part of the city-state’s campaign to fight diabetes.

    Singapore is one of the first countries in Asia to target sugary drinks, bringing it in line with many Western nations that have sought to mitigate the health risks associated with sugar through measures such as taxes and warning labels.

    Globally, beverage firms have been reworking recipes, racing to cut sugar and introduced more options to cater to increasingly health-conscious consumers.

    On Tuesday, Singapore’s ministry of health said the seven firms had signed an industry pledge to remove by 2020 drinks that contain more than 12 percent sugar from their portfolios of sugar-sweetened beverages.

    As well as Coca-Cola and PepsiCo, the companies include F&N Foods, Malaysia Dairy Industries, Nestle, Pokka and Yeo Hiap Seng.

    “In addition to this industry commitment, Coca-Cola Singapore is making an additional commitment to reduce the sugar content in our portfolio of sugar-sweetened beverages by 10 percent by 2020,” Coca-Cola said in an email to Reuters.

    It said it had been reducing sugar and calories across many of its brands, and offering more new drinks with low sugar content or no added sugar.

    Daily sugar consumption per capita from soft drinks has risen since 2010 to 6.08 grammes in Asia-Pacific in 2016, with Singapore at 11.99 grammes, according to market research firm Euromonitor.

    Consumption has been trending lower in Europe and the United States, but it is still higher than in Asia-Pacific.

    “Governments in Asia are actively promoting healthy consumption, such as Malaysia which launched its Healthier Choices Logo in April 2017,” said Euromonitor International analyst Nathanael Lim.

    “Consumers also have an increasing preference for beverages containing natural ingredients with zero sugar.”

    The World Health Organisation said in 2016 drinking fewer calorific sweet drinks was the best way to curb excessive weight and prevent chronic diseases such as diabetes, although fat and salt in processed foods were also to blame.

    Among Asian countries, the Philippines has slapped levies on sugar-sweetened beverages, while Indonesia and India have been considering similar taxes.

    Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong mentioned the drinks makers’ agreement in a speech on Sunday, in which he also urged people to drink water, eat wholemeal bread and brown rice, but did provide details.