Category: Nigerian Tribune

Niger Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has called for the establishment of a comprehensive national agenda aimed at achieving food sovereignty and long-term agricultural sustainability in Nigeria.

Governor Bago made the call while speaking at the 2025 World Food Day celebration hosted by the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) in Victoria Island, Lagos. The event, themed ‘Food Security to Food Sovereignty: How Far Has Nigeria Gone?’, assessed the nation’s progress in building resilient and sustainable food systems.

The governor emphasized the need for Nigeria to move beyond food security to food sovereignty, stressing that food sovereignty would allow the country to control how food is produced, distributed, and consumed.

‘With political will and a clear strategy, we can accomplish even more,’ he said, noting that past policy interventions, such as import restrictions, had boosted local poultry production.

Bago proposed a five-point framework for a national food sovereignty strategy, which includes:

Adopting modern, climate-smart agricultural practices;

Reducing post-harvest losses through improved storage and processing;

Providing accessible credit and inputs for genuine farmers;

Securing farms and rural communities against insecurity; and

Aligning agricultural policies with long-term national development goals rather than political cycles.

While acknowledging government efforts in the agricultural sector, the governor expressed concern over persistent hunger and malnutrition, attributing them to over-reliance on food imports and limited investment in the livestock and value chain subsectors.

He called for strategic investments in cattle breeding, pasture development, and post-harvest management, which he said were essential to achieving genuine self-sufficiency and food sovereignty.

Highlighting his administration’s initiatives in Niger State, Governor Bago listed large-scale mechanisation, irrigation expansion, and value-chain development as key priorities. He also cited partnerships with Brazil under the Livestock Modernisation Project and with AfricaRice on climate-resilient seeds and modern farming technologies.

Additional investments, according to him, include the deployment of thousands of tractors, a ?1.8 trillion rice production agreement with Dangote Rice Limited, and a cotton development partnership with the Republic of Benin – all aimed at improving local processing, job creation, and regional trade.

Addressing the impact of climate change, the governor lamented the destruction caused by flooding across Niger and other states and revealed that the state is collaborating with the World Bank through the ACReSAL Project to strengthen climate resilience, irrigation infrastructure, and early warning systems.

In his closing remarks, Governor Bago called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, research institutions, the private sector, and development partners to ensure Nigeria can not only feed itself but also contribute significantly to food security across Africa.

Nasarawa State governor, Abdullahi Sule, will deliver the keynote address at the 2025 General Assembly of the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN).

The event holds on Sunday, 16 November, 2025, at the Bola Babalakin Hall, Gbongan, Osun State.

The special guest of honour is the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.

According to a message from the chairman of the organising committee for the General Assembly, the theme of the conference is ‘Nigeria’s Economy: Any Hope for the Masses?’

The message also stated that all arrangements for the smooth organisation of this year’s General Assembly, which is hosted in Osun State, have been put in place.

MUSWEN is the umbrella body for all Muslims in southwestern Nigeria.

The General Assembly brings together leaders of Muslim associations, communities and other dignitaries.

Delegates from across the South West will gather on the day to discuss matters affecting the Muslim Ummah of the region.

The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) says its ongoing health coverage drive is anchored on quality service delivery and accountability, as the agency deepens enforcement of Nigeria’s new mandatory health insurance law to achieve universal health coverage.

Speaking at a one-day programme on strengthening institutional support for universal health coverage for self-paying agencies on Friday in Abuja, the Director, Formal Sector Department, Pharm. Nuhu Ajodi, who represented the NHIA Director-General, Dr Kelechi Ohiri, said the authority’s reforms are focused on rebuilding public trust and improving the standard of healthcare under the NHIA Act 2022.

‘We understand the issue of trust. That is why we have developed a service-level agreement with providers through our Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs) to ensure that enrollees get the care they deserve,’ Ajodi said.

He explained that Nigeria’s health insurance coverage had remained at about seven per cent for nearly two decades until the new Act made health insurance compulsory for all citizens and legal residents.

‘This legal change is a call to action for NHIA to engage stakeholders and enforce this mandate. Through this, we will move closer to universal health coverage for all Nigerians,’ he added.

Ajodi revealed that over 21.1 million Nigerians are now enrolled under the scheme as of August 2025, driven by reforms anchored on four key pillars – expanding coverage, improving equity for the vulnerable through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), enhancing quality through strategic purchasing, and unlocking private sector participation.

He said NHIA is also introducing targeted programmes such as the obstetric fistula care initiative and emergency care intervention to remove financial barriers and support women facing life-threatening conditions.

On the issue of drug quality, Ajodi clarified that, ‘In social health insurance, we don’t use branded drugs because of cost. But unbranded drugs are not fake. They undergo strict quality checks and are distributed only through accredited facilities.’

He emphasised that NHIA-accredited hospitals maintain strict standards, adding that mechanisms are in place to address service lapses.

‘No professional would buy fake drugs from unauthorised markets. Enrollees should rest assured that they receive safe and effective drugs from approved facilities,’ he said.

Ajodi further urged government agencies to promptly fulfil their premium payment obligations.

‘Health insurance is based on premium payment. Without premium, there is no cover – just like car insurance,’ he stated.

Also speaking, Ogboi Juliana, Assistant Desk Officer for the National Health Insurance Scheme at the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), described the engagement as enlightening.

‘The programme is an awareness session to educate MDAs about their roles and responsibilities. It helps us understand how to channel complaints and ensure staff get the right care,’ she said.

She expressed optimism that the sensitisation would improve service delivery.

‘After this training, I expect to access drugs easily, be attended to promptly, and get original medicines. Every MDA must pay the mandatory five per cent contribution so that even staff who cannot pay for themselves can still access care,’ she added.

The NHIA reaffirmed that its reforms are designed to build a transparent, efficient, and trusted health insurance system that guarantees quality and accountability across Nigeria’s healthcare sector.

The Federal Government has launched the 2024 Nigeria National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) Report, describing it as a vital tool for evidence-based decision-making and improved health planning in the country.

Speaking at the official launch held at the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s Conference Room in Abuja on Friday, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, said the report presents a ‘mixed bag’ of findings, revealing progress in some areas, regional disparities, stagnation, and worrying setbacks in key health indicators.

‘The 2024 NDHS is an extremely important source of health and demographic data that enables evidence-based policy decisions, monitoring of progress towards set goals like the SDGs, and identification of disparities in key health indicators,’ Salako said.

According to the Minister, the Total Fertility Rate declined from 5.3 in 2018 to 4.8 children per woman in 2024, while modern contraceptive use among married women increased from 12% to 15%.

‘These improvements are important,’ he noted, ‘but remain well below the levels we need to secure rapid social and economic gains.’

He revealed that antenatal care coverage now stands at 63%, skilled birth delivery at 46%, and postnatal care within two days of delivery has risen to 42%, up from 38% in 2018.

‘Too many of our births are still occurring without skilled assistance,’ Salako said, stressing that the Federal Government is scaling up interventions through the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Initiative (MAMII) and the Nigerian Child Survival Action Plan 2025-2029.

The Minister further disclosed that under-five mortality has dropped from 132 to 110 deaths per 1,000 live births, but neonatal mortality remains high at 41 per 1,000 live births.

On immunization, he said only 39% of children aged 12-23 months are fully vaccinated, while 31% have never received any vaccine, a situation he described as ‘deeply concerning.’

‘This underscores the heavy lifting still required to tackle the high burden of zero-dose immunization and disparities in coverage,’ he added.

Salako also expressed concern over poor diagnosis of non-communicable diseases, saying only 1% of Nigerians aged 15-49 years have ever been told they have high blood sugar, and just 5% of men and 8% of women have been informed about high blood pressure.

‘This is in sharp contrast to studies showing the prevalence of hypertension and diabetes at up to 38% and 7%, respectively,’ he noted.

He said the Federal Government has begun translating the NDHS findings into policy reforms and system-wide improvements aimed at building a more efficient, inclusive, and equitable health system.

‘The report is a mirror to see ourselves the way we are, and a map to navigate forward,’ he said.

Salako commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritizing health as a key driver of national development through increased funding, executive orders, and reforms aimed at improving Nigeria’s health indices.

‘The movement to make improvement is the responsibility of all of us,’ he said, urging state governments, the private sector, development partners, and civil society to ‘own this report’ and collaborate to deliver a 21st-century health system that saves lives.

He thanked partners including USAID, UNFPA, UNICEF, The Global Fund, World Bank, Gates Foundation, WHO, FCDO, and the academia for their roles in the survey.

‘Let us continue to work together to utilize this report as a ladder for progress, for impact, and for better health for Nigerians,’ he said before formally launching the 2024 NDHS Report. ‘And so, with peace and plenty, Nigeria shall succeed.’

National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has urged the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, to prioritise the fight against certificate forgery, describing it as a national security concern that undermines Nigeria’s educational and institutional credibility.

The call was made in a statement signed by the NANS Assistant General Secretary, Olatunji Adejuwon, and made available to journalists on Friday to commemorate Mr. Ajayi’s first anniversary in office.

According to the students’ body, the DSS should take a more proactive role in addressing certificate fraud and related misconduct through inter-agency collaboration and stronger verification mechanisms.

‘It is time for the Service to treat certificate forgery not merely as an administrative infraction but as a national security threat capable of infiltrating governance and policy-making. This is a matter of national integrity that directly affects the credibility of our education, public institutions, and Nigeria’s image before the international community,’ the statement read.

NANS commended the DSS leadership under Mr. Ajayi for its commitment to professionalism, discipline, and institutional reforms within one year, describing his tenure as one marked by improved synergy with other security agencies and enhanced morale among personnel.

The association also highlighted what it called ‘quiet but impactful reforms’ within the DSS, including efforts to promote meritocracy, inclusion, and transparency in leadership and recruitment processes.

While acknowledging these achievements, NANS said the issue of certificate forgery required deliberate attention, urging the DSS to work closely with key stakeholders – including the Federal Ministry of Education, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and tertiary institutions – to strengthen the national framework for certificate verification.

It recommended the introduction of a digitised verification system that would enable the authentication of academic and professional documents and deter future infractions.

‘Offenders should be swiftly investigated and prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others. Every scandal involving forged credentials undermines the hard work of millions of students and graduates who earned their certificates legitimately,’ NANS added.

The association further urged the DSS to integrate certificate verification into its vetting processes for appointments and promotions in the public service, noting that such measures would enhance public trust and preserve the nation’s integrity.

‘The DSS, under Mr. Ajayi’s leadership, has the capacity to lead the fight against certificate forgery and protect the credibility of Nigeria’s educational system,’ the statement concluded.

THE National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO) has condemned recent allegations of a ‘Christian genocide’ in Nigeria, describing the claims as false, provocative and reckless.

In a statement signed by its National President, Alhaji Sani Suleiman, and National Secretary General, Alhaji Masud Akintola, NACOMYO expressed concern over what it described as ‘inflammatory and dangerous distortions’ of Nigeria’s complex security realities.

The organisation asserted that such statements are part of a deliberate effort to stigmatise Islam, malign peace-loving Nigerian Muslims and threaten national unity.

According to NACOMYO, violence in Nigeria is not religiously motivated but stems from terrorism, banditry and communal resource conflicts.

The group stressed that both Christians and Muslims have been victims of these security challenges, citing independent reports, including the 2023 US State Department’s International Religious Freedom Report which confirm that extremist attacks in Nigeria are indiscriminate.

Quoting the Christian Association of Nigeria’s (CAN) Director of National Issues, Reverend Abimbola Ayuba, NACOMYO emphasised that ‘the spate of killings has not taken any particular pattern. bullets don’t look for a Christian or spare a Muslim,’ arguing that this statement alone contradicts the genocide narrative being pushed abroad.

NACOMYO rejected the figures circulated such as ‘over 100,000 Christians killed’ and ‘18,000 churches burned’, calling them ‘baseless fabrications without any credible source.’

The council warned that such exaggerations are part of a growing trend of foreign disinformation amplified by domestic actors seeking sympathy and funding by demonising Islam.

Citing verified humanitarian data, the group noted that over 2,200 civilians were killed in the first half of 2025 across Northern Nigeria, a Muslim-majority region, and more than two million people remain internally displaced regardless of their religion.

NACOMYO lamented that reducing the tragedy to a religious persecution narrative is misleading and dangerous.

The council warned against what it called attempts by Western political figures and media personalities to exploit Nigeria’s internal challenges for ulterior motives.

NACOMYO linked the surge in false genocide narratives to Nigeria’s recent support for justice in Palestine at the United Nations, suggesting that these claims are part of a retaliatory propaganda effort aimed at weakening Nigeria’s international credibility.

NACOMYO commended officials within CAN who have made balanced public comments, recognising that both Muslims and Christians are victims of Nigeria’s insecurity.

It urged CAN’s leadership to show greater restraint and patriotism in its public communications.

The statement further called on the Nigerian government to intensify its efforts in tackling insecurity and poverty, expose actors who spread disinformation and strengthen interfaith dialogue.

It also encouraged engagement with international partners to protect Nigeria’s image from malicious advocacy networks.

Reaffirming its stance, NACOMYO declared: ‘Nigeria’s crisis is not a war of religions, but a war of terror, greed and bad governance.’

The group urged Nigerian youth of all faiths not to allow themselves to be manipulated by forces seeking to divide the nation.

NACOMYO emphasised that Islam does not condone violence or hatred and that the vast majority of Nigerian Muslims remain committed to peace, justice and coexistence.

Osun State government has expressed readiness to collaborate with the Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative (BBYDI) to promote artificial intelligence (AI) literacy and localisation of AI education across schools in the state.

Through its Ministries of Education and Science, Innovation, Technology and Digital Economy, the government commended BBYDI’s AI Literacy for Everyday People project, describing it as a timely intervention that aligns with the state’s digital transformation agenda and the Federal Government’s new national curriculum, which emphasises creativity, skills-based learning, and digital competence.

During separate courtesy visits to both ministries in Osogbo, the BBYDI team, led by Communications Director Sanni Alausa-Issa, briefed officials on the organisation’s plans to integrate AI literacy into classroom learning through storytelling, culturally relevant materials, and teacher training.

Speaking at the Ministry of Education, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Adekilekun Jimoh, applauded BBYDI for its forward-thinking approach to preparing students for a technology-driven future.

‘This is a welcome development,’ Mr. Jimoh said. ‘AI literacy is the future of education, and Osun State is ready to be part of it. We will nominate teachers and identify schools where this initiative can take root immediately.’

He assured the organisation of the Ministry’s readiness to collaborate in scaling the project across the state, adding that empowering young learners with digital skills was crucial to their competitiveness in an increasingly digital world.

At the Ministry of Science, Innovation, Technology, and Digital Economy, the Director of Science and Innovation, Mrs. Lateefah Olanrewaju, also commended BBYDI for its people-centred approach and emphasis on inclusion through local-language delivery and community engagement.

‘This is an impressive initiative,’ she said. ‘Many people hear about AI but see it as something distant or complicated. What you are doing-bringing it to our communities in Yoruba, Pidgin, and Hausa-is exactly what inclusion should look like.’

Mrs. Olanrewaju added that the Ministry is keen on partnerships that promote innovation and digital skills among youths and schools, urging BBYDI to engage existing innovation hubs and technology clusters for broader reach and adoption.

Explaining the core of the project, Alausa-Issa said the AI Literacy for Everyday People initiative is designed to make artificial intelligence accessible, ethical, and inclusive for Nigerians of all backgrounds.

‘We’re using storytelling, radio drama, illustrated handbooks, and flashcards to make AI relatable to teachers and students,’ he said. ‘Our goal is to help every Nigerian understand and use AI safely. We are producing radio dramas, flashcards for primary schools, and storybooks for secondary schools-all in local languages-to make the learning relatable.’

He noted that the initiative, supported by the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation, also features a train-the-trainer programme for teachers, parents, and community youth leaders to ensure knowledge sustainability, alongside an AI Blueprint Draft to guide policy discussions on ethics, inclusion, and digital responsibility.

The partnership signals Osun State’s growing commitment to digital transformation and inclusive education, as both ministries pledged to work closely with BBYDI to embed AI literacy into formal and informal learning systems across the state.

THE Baba Adini of Owo in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, High Chief Jamihu Ekungba, has announced that the final national fidau prayers for the late chairman of the League of Imams and Alfas in the state, Sheikh Ahmad Aladesawe, will hold on October 25, 2025, in Owo.

Ekungba, who is also a key member of the fidau organising committee, revealed this in a statement signed by him. He said the event will draw Islamic leaders from across the country.

According to him, dignitaries expected at the event include members of the League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland, as well as the national leadership of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria and the Ansarul-Islam Society of Nigeria.

He disclosed that Ondo State governor, Dr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, will lead other governors, political leaders and eminent personalities from across Nigeria to honour the late cleric, who until his death was the Chief Imam of Owoland.

The prayers, which will serve as the grand finale of the funeral rites, will be held at the playing field of Ansar-Ud-Deen Comprehensive High School, Owo, to accommodate the large turnout of guests.

‘The janazah prayers for Baba showed the depth of love people had for him. Scholars and leaders came from within and outside Ondo State, and even the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) was represented. We are deeply grateful,’ he said.

Sheikh Aladesawe, who died at 91 following a brief illness, was buried in Owo according to Islamic rites.

Hundreds of scholars, led by the President-General of the League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland, Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere Bello, who is also the Chief Imam of Ado-Ekiti, participated in the burial.

The family of the deceased, alongside the Council of Imams in Owo and Ijebu-Owo, had earlier held the eighth-day fidau prayers.

National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS) has reaffirmed its commitment to improving emergency healthcare delivery across Nigeria through stronger collaboration with government agencies, private partners, and the media.

Speaking at the inauguration of the NEMSAS Media Cell on Friday in Abuja, the National Programme Manager, Dr. Emuren Doubra, explained that the initiative aims to create a unified, standardised, and accessible system for emergency response nationwide.

He said, ‘In Nigeria, we have fragmented emergency medical services as private, community-based, NGOs and without a structured system, we experience leakages and non-standard emergency care.’

‘What NEMSAS has come to do is to create standards and ensure that vulnerable patients receive these services without having to bear the cost of immediate payment.’

Doubra also identified poor communication as the most pressing challenge in emergency response, particularly the inefficiency of the 1-1-2 emergency number operated by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

‘If you are not able to call or get across your emergency to a response agency, you can’t get served,’ he explained.

‘The 1-1-2 number works well in some areas but poorly in most states. We are engaging the NCC to improve its functionality because Nigerians seriously need that number to work effectively.’

He added that inadequate communication coverage, geographical barriers, and shortage of health workers were hampering timely response.

‘Migration is leading to serious leakages and a lack of health workers. We need support and collaboration with the private sector to fill these gaps,’ he said.

Doubra thanked the media and reaffirmed NEMSAS’s resolve to build an effective, equitable emergency medical system.

‘We appreciate the Coordinating Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for making emergency medical services a core pillar of this administration.’

‘Our mission is to reduce maternal and child mortality by strengthening emergency medical services as a key link between all levels of healthcare in Nigeria.’ he said.

The Director-General of the National Blood Service Agency (NBSA), Professor Saleh Yuguda, highlighted the critical role of the media in promoting public awareness about NEMSAS.

‘Today, we inaugurated the Media Cell of the National Emergency Medical Services. Whatever the federal government is doing, people need to know about it.’

‘NEMSAS has been established to cater for emergencies nationwide. The federal government will take care of treatment for anyone within the first 48 hours free of charge, that’s the main goal.’

From the private sector, Folake Owodunni, Co-founder and CEO of Emergency Response Africa, commended the initiative, describing it as a major step toward bridging Nigeria’s emergency care gap.

‘Emergencies can affect anybody at any time, and often they are not appropriately addressed,’ she said.

‘Our goal in the private sector is to work alongside the public sector to expand capacity and ensure that everyone – not just those who can pay, gets the help they need when they need it.’

She added that Emergency Response Africa connects hospitals and ambulance providers nationwide to improve response time and patient outcomes.

Dr. Simeon Onyemechi, Chairman of the Forum of CEOs of State Social Insurance Agencies, said the NEMSAS programme was transforming access to critical care.

‘This ensures that individuals, whether insured or not, have access to emergency care at no cost within the first 48 hours,’ he explained.

‘We vet hospital claims promptly and are working toward e-payment systems to make reimbursements faster and keep providers motivated.’

Dr. Francis Nwachukwu of the World Health Organization (WHO) said the programme’s success depends on sustainable financing.

‘It will be difficult to achieve the objectives of NEMSAS without appropriate financing,’ he said.

‘With the Coordinating Minister’s reforms and the National Health Sector Renewal Investment Programme, funding through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund has strengthened the system. What is now needed is for NEMSAS to be fully functional in all 36 states.’

Media advocate Moji Makanjuola, Executive Director of the International Society of Media in Public Health (ISMPH), urged journalists to help raise public awareness of the service.

‘Until people know that such a service exists, they cannot make the best use of it,’ she said.

‘The media must see itself as a partner in progress to ensure that emergency care is available and to reduce mortality caused by lack of timely intervention.’

Dr. Hozie Okonuha, Programme Manager of the FCT Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System, noted that Abuja was the first to roll out the NEMSAS initiative in 2022.

‘We’ve expanded our services to all area councils and work closely with FRSC, police, and emergency teams.’

‘Every second counts. Nigerians should stop recording videos during accidents, instead, call the emergency number so ambulances can be dispatched quickly.’

A coalition of Igbo youth leaders and stakeholders, has appealed for calm during the planned October 20, 2025 nationwide peaceful protest initiated by human rights activist, Omoleye Sowore, for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

Convener of the Group, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, made the appeal in Awka, Anambra State capital, on Thursday shortly after the group’s emergency meeting.

The coalition includes the National Youth Council of Nigeria, (NYCN) National Association of Nigerian Students, (NANS), Youth Wing of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, (ONW) and Anambra State Association of Town Unions,(ASATU), Youth Wing.

Recall that Sowore had announced that he would lead a protest march on October 20, to demand for the release of Kanu, the detained leader of IPOB who has been standing trial for alleged treasonable felony since June, 2021, after his rendition from the East African country, Kenya.

Okpalaezeukwu urged participants to avoid violence in any guise during the protest.

‘On the October 20, protest, we call on Igbo indigenes, home and in the diaspora, to ensure proper conduct of themselves and not fall victim of any unforseen circumstances.

‘Mazi Nnamdi Kanu will not want any innocent blood shed on his behalf,’ he said

The group commended Southeast governors and Ohanaeze Ndigbo leadership for their efforts towards ensuring peaceful co-existence in the region .

They urged them to intensify pressure on the Federal Government to release Kanu unconditionally , describing the actualisation of his release as a political solution to insecurity in the region.

‘We call on the Federal Government to extend its recent good disposition by releasing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

‘This is in view of the fact that the Federal Government has not been able to convict him of the charges brought against him.

‘We want peace, unity and justice to prevail ,’he added.

Also speaking, Mr. Chuks Okafor of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) said the release of Nnamdi Kanu was long overdue, and urged the Federal Government to act without further delay.

In his remarks, Mr. Innocent Nduanya, Deputy President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), appealed to participants in the planned protest to remain peaceful and avoid any form of violence or destruction of public property.