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Food Security: Expert Harps On Improved Cassava Processing 

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A prominent agricultural economist and researcher, Dr. Adekunle Stephen Toromade, has stated that modern cassava processing would enhance food security and elevate Nigeria to greater economic heights.
Toromade emphasised the need to address occupational hazards and economic challenges faced by cassava processors to improve productivity and tackle global food security issues.
He explained that the cassava processing industry is plagued by occupational hazards that severely affect the health and economic well-being of processors, contributing to widespread poverty.
He stressed that addressing these hazards and challenges is crucial for enhancing productivity and sustainability.
“Cassava processing is crucial for many rural communities in Nigeria, involving tasks such as peeling, grating, fermenting, and drying to produce essential food products like garri, fufu, and tapioca.
“Despite its importance in the agricultural value chain, the industry is burdened by occupational hazards that severely affect the health and economic well-being of processors, contributing to widespread poverty”, Toromade said.
While discussing a comprehensive study to examine these challenges, Toromade noted that his research focused on the difficulties faced by cassava processors in three local government areas known for their high cassava production.
“Food security in Nigeria continues to deteriorate. Studies like this provide valuable insights into how improving conditions for food processors can help tackle food insecurity.
“One of the most striking findings of the study is that cassava processing is predominantly carried out by women. Many of these women, who are the primary breadwinners for their families, face numerous occupational hazards that exacerbate their poverty status.
“The study revealed that 46% of cassava processors are moderately poor, with a significant portion—about 69%—of their income spent on medical treatment and other family expenses, further deepening their poverty.
“Additionally, smoke inhalation during cassava processing ranked as the most prevalent occupational hazard for the processors.
“Studies have shown that smoke inhalation can severely impact both the health and productivity of processors. Chronic exposure to smoke can lead to respiratory issues and other serious health conditions, diminishing workers’ efficiency and livelihoods.
“This health decline results in high medical expenses, further straining the already limited financial resources of these processors. Factors such as larger household sizes and other health issues related to occupational injuries exacerbate their poverty”, Toromade added.
In addition to this technological advancement, Toromade emphasized the pressing need for extensive training programs to educate cassava processors on occupational safety.
Strengthening extension services to offer regular training on best practices and safety precautions can greatly improve workers’ health and productivity.
He said Government and NGO interventions are essential to make automated food processing machines more affordable, as well as providing subsidies to make protective gear more accessible.
Enhancing healthcare access to provide timely treatment for occupational injuries is also crucial for ensuring the well-being of these workers.
In his study, Toromade utilized blockchain, AI, IoT, and big data for real-time monitoring of critical parameters such as temperature, humidity, and location in agricultural systems.
This approach enhanced food supply chain management and optimised conditions in the food supply chain, particularly in cassava processing, reducing both waste and energy loss.
Toromade’s work has significantly contributed to improving the quality of life for cassava processors and potentially reducing their economic losses from excessive medical expenses.
Beyond addressing occupational hazards, implementing these recommendations to protect this essential workforce can significantly contribute to poverty alleviation in rural areas and enhance the economic prosperity of cassava processors.

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CFAO Hits Nigerian Automobile Market With New Land Cruiser Prado

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CFAO has added to its fleet of cars in the  motoring industry with the recent launch of the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, one of Toyota’s flagship models, alongside a range of others for the Nigeria market.
Unveiling the product in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, the General Manager, CFAO Mobility, Port Harcourt, Julius Fasetire, said the model is exceptional tailored for Nigeria’s market.
According to him, the unveiling was an exclusive opportunity for Nigerians to explore the latest in automotive excellence, discover new vehicle options , and benefit from Toyota by CFAO’s end of year bonus.
He further explained that CFAO is an authorised distributor of Toyota vehicles in Nigeria, committed to providing high quality vehicles and services to meet the needs of customers across the country.
“With an extensive network of service centres, Toyota by CFAO offers top-notch sales, service and support to ensure a seamless ownership experience”, he declared.

By: Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos

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Marketers Threaten Boycott Of PH Refinery 

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There are indications that oil marketers may boycot patronising the newly opened Port Harcourt Refinery Company (PHRC), which commmenced crude oil production last Tuesday.
This follows their request that PHRC, under the management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), must dispense its refined petroleum products below the prices of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
Meanwhile, contrary to NNPCL’s claims, while reactiing to claims that its petrol price was about N1,045/litre, said the refinery had not released its prices, as products from the plant were currently dispensed to only NNPCL stations.
NNPCL’s spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, revealed that the company was still reviewing its prices and had yet to commence bulk sales, saying that its purchasing portal is still closed.
In the midst of this, The Tide’s source also gathered that oil marketers imported 105.67 million litres of petrol into the country five days ago.
The marketers confirmed that NNPC was selling petrol at N1,045/litre, saying that they may be compelled to opt for petrol importation as a means of meeting local demands.
The source exclusively gathered that a total sum of 78,800 metric tonnes representing 105.67 million litres of petrol was imported into the country in the last five days, specifically identified November 23 and November 28.
The NNPC said the 60,000-capacity newly rehabilitated complex of the old Port Harcourt Refinery, which had been revamped and upgraded with modern equipment, is operating at a refining capacity of 70 per cent of its installed capacity.
The company added that NNPC added that diesel and Pour Fuel Oil would be the highest output from the refinery, with a daily capacity of 1.5 million litres and 2.1 million litres, respectively.
There’s also a daily output of Straight-Run Gasoline (Naphtha) blended into 1.4 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol), 900,000 litres of kerosene, and low-pour fuel oil of 2.1 million litres.
It was stated that about 200 trucks of petrol would be released into the Nigerian market daily.
However, claims that the national oil firm’s PMS price was higher than that of Dangote triggered diverse reactions from marketers.
The National Publicity Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Chinedu Ukadike, stated that though NNPC had yet to release any price for the products from the refurbished Port Harcourt refinery, a high price would discourage marketers, because Dangote currently sells his petrol at N970/litre, while imported petrol is around that price.
He, however, noted that there was the possibility that the NNPC would review its prices downward when the Port Harcourt refinery comes fully on stream.

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NCDMB, ICPC Set To Mark Anti-Corruption Day

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Following its unequivocal and successive ranking as Nigeria’s top performing organisation in efficiency and transparency from 2022-date, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has unveiled plans to mark the 2024 World Anti-corruption Day on Thursday, 5th December at its headquarters, the Nigerian Content Tower, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The theme of this year’s celebration, according to a statement from the Board’s Department of Corporate Communications is “Effective Whistleblowers Protection Mechanism: A Critical Tool in the Fight against Corruption”.
The statement added that the celebration at the NCDMB is organised by the agency’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACTU) led by the Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, Mr. Abdulmalik Halilu.
The event, according to the Board, will be marked with a workshop that will feature paper presentations by representatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and key officials of the Board.
Another highlight of the day will include the grand finale of the debate competition among six federal government colleges from the six zones of the country, plus a representative from Bayelsa State, which is selected automatically as the host state of NCDMB.
The selected schools are Federal Government College, Odi, Bayelsa State; Federal Government College, Okigwe, Imo State; Federal Government College, Warri, Delta State; and Federal Government Girls College, Kazaure, Jigawa State.
Others are, Federal Government College, Ijanikin, Lagos State; Federal Government College, Maiduguri, Borno State; and Federal Government College, Rubochi, Abuja.
Two students, accompanied by an adult from each of the schools will be camped in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, by the NCDMB for four days during which preliminary debates will be held to determine the best two teams.
The debate, whose grand finale is to be held at the magnificent 17-storey Nigerian Content Tower (NCT), Yenagoa, is being organised to instill the ethics of transparency and public interest in Nigerian students to promote critical thinking, research, and public speaking skills among that segment of the population.
This segment, according to the Board, are generally viewed as potential future leaders of thought and industry in the country, and encourage students to engage with complex issues that underline good governance and democracy in Nigeria, just as prizes will also be awarded to winners.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

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