Business
Police Nab Six Suspected Spare Parts Thieves
The Osun Police Command last Wednesday said it had arrested six suspected thieves who stole vehicle spare parts at a worship centre that was set ablaze in Osogbo on December 11.
The Osun Police Commissioner, Mr Olusegun Solomon, made the disclosure in Osogbo while briefing newsmen on the activities of the command.
Our correspondent recalls that unidentified arsonists set the worship centre ablaze at Alekuwodo, Osogbo, during the protests which followed the removal of the subsidy on petrol.
The commissioner said while the search for the arsonists who burnt the worship centre was on, the police arrested those who took advantage of the incident to steal.
He said the suspects dismantled the vandalised vehicles in order to cannibalise the body parts and sell them to vehicle parts dealers.
The commissioner said one of the suspects was arrested on his way to Sabo area of the metropolis while in possession of some stolen scraps.
“His arrest led to the arrest of five other suspects who have all made confessional statements while some of the vehicle parts have been recovered from them,” he said.
Solomon said the suspects might be part of the irate protesters who burnt the worship centre, adding that investigation was still on.
Meanwhile, Solomon has said that the police would not arrest former Gov. Olagunsoye Oyinlola whose vehicle allegedly knocked down two persons on December 10.
Our correspondent recalls that Oyinlola’s convoy made its way through the busy Olaiya junction in Osogbo where anti-subsidy removal protesters were holding a rally.
One of the vehicles reportedly hit two of the protesters and they were taken to the Government House clinic for medical attention while the driver escaped.
But the commissioner argued that besides the fact that Oyinlola needed to protect himself from mob action, the former governor did not actually drive the vehicle which hit the victims.
Although Solomon threatened to arrest the driver of the vehicle, he told newsmen that it was illegal for protesters to barricade roads in the first place.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and other stakeholders have charted path to improved organic agriculture practices nationwide.
At a 2024 national organic and agroecology business summit held recently in Abuja, stakeholders took turn to speak on the additional areas of promoting the practices.
The Mandate Secretary, FCT Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat (ARDS), Lawan Geidam, advocated for sustainable practice to develop resilient food systems that will benefit people.
The event, with the theme,”Towards Policies for Upscaling Organic Agroecological Businesses in Nigeria”, is aimed at fostering growth in the organic agriculture sector.
Geidam, who was represented by the Acting Director, Agric Services, in the Secretariat, Mr. Ofili Bennett, emphasised the success of organic and agroecological farming, reling on the active involvement of farmers, businesses and consumers.
He reassured attendees that the FCT Administration, led by the Minister, Nyesom Wike, and Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, remains dedicated to supporting initiatives that enhance the livelihood of residents.
Geidam described the partnership between the Secretariat and the organic and Agroecology initiative for a monthly exhibition and sale of organic products in the FCTA premises as a testament to this commitment.
“The ARDS remains committed to driving policies and initiatives that align with national goals and global standards”, Geidam said.
On her part, the Chairperson of Organic and Agroecology Initiative, Mrs. Janet Igho, urged residents to embrace healthy eating habits to sustain a good lifestyle. She stressed the importance of adopting organic practices, highlighting the benefits of going organic, growing organic and consuming organic products.
Igho expressed her optimism regarding the Agricultural Revival Programmes as articulated in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda”, which aims at fostering food and nutrition security.
She also extended her gratitude to ARDS for graciously allocating a space in the FCTA premises for the exhibition and sale of organic products, noting that the platform has been effectively used to advance the promotion of organic agriculture in FCT.
Igho outlined several benefits of organic agriculture which includes improved soil health, increased biodiversity, availability nutritious and healthy food and a reduced carbon footprint.
Stakeholders at the summit, underscored the critical need for enhanced private sector involvement and robust capacity building initiatives for farmers.
They highlighted the importance of implementing supportive policies to foster the growth of the organic agriculture sector.
In the light of the significant challenges facing Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, stakeholders decided that organic agricultural practices present sustainable solutions and a pathway for a more resilient and productive farming systems.
The three-day summit featured exhibitions showcasing organic foods, fruits, vegetables and fertilizers, providing an opportunity for residents to better appreciate the benefits of production and consumption of organic agricultural products.
