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Brendan Rodgers has resigned as Celtic manager with the Scottish giants’ major shareholder accusing him of ‘divisive, misleading and self-serving’ behaviour.

Former boss Martin O’Neill, 73, and ex-player Shaun Maloney will take charge until a permanent successor is appointed, the club said Monday.

Rodgers’ second spell at Celtic ended after Sunday’s 3-1 Scottish Premiership defeat at Hearts left them eight points adrift of the Edinburgh side in second.

‘Brendan leaves with our thanks for the role he has played during a period of continued success for the club and we wish him further success in the future,’ a statement said.

‘We are pleased that during this interim period former Celtic manager Martin O’Neill and former Celtic player Shaun Maloney have agreed to take charge of Celtic first-team matters,’ it said.

The club added that the search for a replacement was already under way, with former manager Ange Postecoglou among the bookmakers’ favourites following his recent sacking by Nottingham Forest.

Rodgers, 52, returned for a second spell at Celtic Park in 2023, winning successive titles, to add to his league triumphs from 2017 and 2018.

But clouds have gathered over the club this season with Celtic knocked out of the Champions League by Kazakhstan minnows Kairat Almaty.

Rodgers had appeared at odds with his employers over their summer transfer policy.

After Celtic’s first defeat at Dundee in 37 years this month, he said the team had ‘lost a lot of firepower, a lot of goals’.

‘And there’s no way you’ll go into a race and be given the keys to a Honda Civic and say, ‘I want you to drive it like a Ferrari’. It’s not going to happen.’

In a separate statement on Monday, Celtic’s main shareholder Dermot Desmond hit back, saying Rodgers’ criticism had come ‘entirely out of the blue’.

‘Despite ample opportunity he was unable to identify a single instance where the club had obstructed or failed to support him. The facts did not match his public narrative,’ he said.

‘Regrettably, his words and actions since then have been divisive, misleading, and self-serving.

‘They have contributed to a toxic atmosphere around the club and fuelled hostility towards members of the executive team and the board.’

Rodgers previously managed Swansea, Liverpool and Leicester, and arrived at Celtic for the second time in June 2023 to succeed Postecoglou.

The Northern Irishman had been at Celtic between May 2016 and February 2019, completing successive league and cup trebles.

His first season in charge saw Celtic finish with a record 106 points and become the first Scottish side to complete a top-flight season undefeated since 1899.

Rodgers continued Celtic’s domestic supremacy by winning league titles in the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons, and also lifted the Scottish Cup and the Scottish League Cup.

The Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has described the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, as ‘not just a super-performing minister but parliament’s treasured asset.

Speaking with journalists on Wednesday in Abuja, Agbese said the attacks on the minister were a ‘calculated attempt to distract a reform-minded public servant whose record of innovation and results has redefined service delivery in Nigeria’s public sector.’

‘In less than a year, Dr. Tunji-Ojo has transformed the Ministry of Interior from a bureaucratic enclave into a model of efficiency,’ he said. ‘He cleared over 200,000 passport backlogs in just three weeks, introduced end-to-end automation that eliminated touting and racketeering, and opened new passport offices across several countries to serve Nigerians in the diaspora. Today, citizens can apply for and collect their passports within days, not months – and that’s a direct outcome of his leadership.’

Agbese noted that Tunji-Ojo’s reforms also extended to other agencies under the ministry.

‘He has brought structure and discipline into the correctional system. Over 4,500 inmates were released to decongest overcrowded prisons, biometric systems have been deployed to track escapees, and jailbreaks have practically become a thing of the past,’ the lawmaker said.

According to him, the minister’s emphasis on human capital development within the paramilitary agencies has restored morale and professionalism.

‘He ensured timely promotions, introduced digital monitoring systems, and improved the welfare of officers. The ministry has become a place of dignity and performance. Under his supervision, it has generated over ?6 billion in revenue this year alone – proof that transparency and efficiency can go hand in hand,’ Agbese stated.

He dismissed the NYSC certificate controversy as ‘a hoax designed by desperate politicians who cannot match competence with results.’

‘The so-called certificate scandal is nothing but noise,’ he said. ‘These are the same old tactics of distraction deployed whenever a young, effective leader begins to challenge the old order. The enemies of progress cannot stand the fact that the Renewed Hope Agenda is working through people like Dr. Tunji-Ojo.’

Agbese urged Nigerians to focus on measurable performance rather than unsubstantiated allegations.

‘Governance is not about gossip; it’s about delivery. Every citizen can see the difference the Interior Ministry is making – faster services, cleaner processes, and greater accountability,’ he said.

He also warned against ‘the weaponisation of social media to smear public officials without proof,’ insisting that all legitimate concerns should follow due process.

‘If there are questions, let the institutions of state handle them – not political jobbers or social media mobs. The rule of law must not give way to mob hysteria,’ he cautioned.

Agbese described Tunji-Ojo as one of the brightest examples of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope vision, saying his blend of youth, competence, and patriotism had restored citizens’ confidence in government institutions.

‘Dr. Tunji-Ojo represents a new generation of leadership – focused, innovative, and accountable. He is building systems, not headlines. Those peddling falsehoods will fade, but his legacy of reform will remain,’ Agbese declared.

The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Wednesday, adjourned a suit filed by Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE against Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and others over oil import licence dispute until Nov. 5 for hearing.

The matter, which was earlier fixed for today for hearing, could not proceed due to the absence of Justice Mohammed Umar in court.

Justice Umar, the presiding judge, was said to be sitting at Enugu division of the court.

The court subsequently fixed Nov. 5 for the hearing of the suit.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the judge had, on July 10, ordered parties in the case to regularise their processes ahead of the hearing of the suit.

Justice Umar also ordered that hearing notices be issued and served on the defendants that were not in court.

The suit, which was formerly before Justice Inyang Ekwo, began denovo (afresh) following its reassignment to Justice Umar.

Dangote Refinery had sued the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) as 1st and 2nd defendants.

Also joined in the suit are AYM Shafa Limited, A. A. Rano Limited, T. Time Petroleum Limited, 2015 Petroleum Limited, and Matrix Petroleum Services Limited as 3rd to 7th defendants respectively.

The oil company, through its lawyer, Ogwu Onoja, SAN, prayed the court to nullify import licences issued by NMDPRA to the NNPCL and the five other companies for the purpose of importing refined petroleum products.

NAN reports that Dangote Refinery (plaintiff) also prayed the court to declare that NMDPRA was in violation of Sections 317(8) and (9) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) by issuing licenses for the importation of petroleum products.

It stated that such licenses should only be issued in circumstances where there is a petroleum product shortfall.

It equally sought a N100 billion in damages against NMDPRA for allegedly continuing to issue import licences to NNPCL and the five companies for importing petroleum products, among other reliefs.

The NNPCL, in its preliminary objection, prayed the court to strike out the case for being incompetent.

The NNPCL argued that the suit was premature and it disclosed no cause of action against it.

‘This honourable court lacks the jurisdiction to hear this suit,’ the NNPCL said.

In the affidavit in support of the application deposed to by Isiaka Popoola, a clerk in the law firm of Afe Babalola and Co, counsel to the NNPCL, he said one of their lawyers, Esther Longe who perused Dangote’s originating summons, affidavit and written address told him that an examination of the processes showed that NNPC as sued by the refinery was non-existent entity.

Popoola averred that the court lacked jurisdiction over the 2nd defendant sued as Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).

‘A simple search on the CAC website shows that there is no entity called ‘Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPC).’

According to Popoola, the 2nd defendant/objector is not one and the same with the 2nd defendant sued by the plaintiff.

He urged the court to strike out the suit.

Also, the NMDPRA, in its counter affidavit deposed to by Idris Musa, a Senior Regulatory Officer in the office, prayed the court to dismiss the suit as it was misconceived, unmeritorious and incompetent.

Musa argued that Dangote Refinery is not entitled to any of the reliefs sought.

The official, in the application dated and filed Dec. 13, 2024, said the current production of Dangote Refinery is yet to meet the national daily petroleum products sufficiency requirement.

He said based on this and in compliance with Section 317 [9] of the PIA (Petroleum Industry Act), NMDPRA issued licences to import petroleum products to bridge product shortfalls to companies with good track records of international products trading.

Besides, he said the agency is also mandated to promote competition and prevent abuse of dominant market positions and unhealthy monopoly in the oil and gas sector.

He denied the allegation that NMDPRA is partaking in any purported ‘grand conspiracy and concerted efforts’ against the refinery, describing it as ‘an allegation for which the plaintiff has provided no facts or evidence in support.’

The oil marketers, in a joint counter affidavit filed on Nov. 5, 2024, told the court that granting Dangote’s application would spell doom for the country’s oil sector.

According to them, the plan to monopolise the oil sector is a recipe for disaster in the country.

The three marketers; AYM Shafa Limited, A. A. Rano Limited and Matrix Petroleum Services Limited, in their response, said the plaintiff did not produce adequate petroleum products for the daily consumption of Nigerians.

They argued that there was nothing placed before the court to prove the contrary

NAN reports that Justice Ekwo had, on March 18, dismissed the NNPCL’s objection against Dangote’s suit

The judge, in the ruling, dismissed the objection on the grounds that the application was incompetent.

Justice Ekwo held that the NNPCL ought to have filed a defence in the form of a counter affidavit to the Dangote Refinery’s originating process before raising an objection.

The judge, who also dismissed the NNPCL preliminary objection, challenging the jurisdiction of the court, granted Dangote’s motion to amend its originating motion by correcting the name of the NNPCL.

Besides, Justice Ekwo equally dismissed the motion for joinder filed by Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) for being an unnecessary party and as a ‘meddlesome interloper.'(NAN)

Despite relatively low crude oil price ($65.25/ barrel), the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) cost remains as high as N955 per litre in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) because marketers purchased the product from a third party.

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) National President, Abubakar Maigandi revealed this to The Nation on Wednesday.

According to him, marketers can only access the product through some private depots that get their allocation directly from Dangote refinery or importation.

The 650,000 barrels per day Dangote plant on June 15 announced its plan to distribute the product to end-users by August 15 with 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered trucks.

Different unions in the downstream sector such as Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN); Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA), Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) and the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) protested the plan.

According to the groups, direct supply of petrol will eliminate the workers from the distribution value chain and cause unemployment.

They also cautioned that it could lead to a monopolistic market.

But as The Nation explored the petrol market in FCT yesterday, it was discovered that the pump prices had been steadily as high as N950 per litre to N960 per litre.

Asked on phone to account for the cause of the product, Maigandi said: ‘Independent marketers are not getting the product directly from Dangote. While some of us get theirs from private depots, the other ones get theirs through importation.’

He disclosed that PMS sold N877 per litre at the gantry of the Dangote Refinery yesterday.

The PETROAN National President, Dr Billy Hary blamed the high cost on the impasse the protest against Dangote Refinery sack of over 800 workers generated.

He said the market was yet to stabilise from the pressure on prices when the workers down tool in late September 2025.

Besides, he said it was however still hazy to ascertain why the hike has endured for a month.

His words: ‘The industry is still trying to settle down from the stakeholders’ and Dangote brouhaha.

‘One cannot actually pinpoint what has caused the hike.’

Speaking with The Nation on phone, NARTO President, Alhaji Yusuf Othman said he had been away and yet to get an update on the Dangote matter.

First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu yesterday commended the role of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) in women empowerment as the committee celebrates 25th anniversary.

They made the commendation at the opening of a three-day National Women’s Conference organised by COWLSO at Eko Hotel in Lagos.

In attendance were wives of the governors of Ogun, Osun and Nassarawa states, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, Mrs Titi Adeleke, and Hajia Silifat Sule.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu praised COWLSO for contributions to nation-building and urged women to uphold the values of selflessness and service.

Tinubu, who resuscitated the conference during her tenure as the Wife of Lagos State Governor, described COWLSO as an enduring model of women’s collaboration.

According to her, its 25-year journey shows what women can achieve when united by purpose.

‘COWLSO remains a beacon of hope and an example of what women can do together. It has inspired generations to rise, lead and give back to society. I commend all members for sustaining the vision, and urge you to continue empowering others,’ she said.

Governor Sanwo-Olu described COWLSO as a symbol of compassion, continuity and transformative leadership in women empowerment.

He said that COWLSO had evolved from a modest initiative into a dynamic platform of change, inspiring women to become innovators, changemakers and community leaders.

He said the committee had continued to demonstrate the values of compassion, collaboration and continuity.

He added that it had grown into a rallying point for women, who believed leadership was not about holding titles, but transforming lives.

‘Twenty-five years ago, a simple but powerful idea was born – to serve, to uplift and to make a difference. Today, we gather not just to celebrate, but to honour women whose vision, strength and service have defined our humanity,’ he said.

He commended his wife, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, for devotion to family well-being and empowerment programmes that continued to touch lives across the state.

Chairperson of COWLSO, Dr Sanwo-Olu, hailed past wives of Lagos State governors; COWLSO partners, and other women, who had contributed to the growth of COWLSO’s growth.

She said the anniversary was not just a celebration of longevity, but a reaffirmation of purpose to build a Lagos and Nigeria where every woman could dream freely, lead boldly and thrive fully.

‘As we reflect on the past 25 years, we renew our commitment to nurturing families, empowering women, and promoting values that strengthen our society,’ Sanwo-Olu said.

Edo State Deputy Governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, has said the state government would continue to encourage the Edo Queens Football Club for greater successes.

Idahosa spoke in Benin City when he received the team in Benin City after their impressive third-place finish at the maiden Governor Douye Diri Women’s Preseason Football Tournament in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

The Edo Deputy Governor, who received the team’s third-place trophy, praised the players for their determination and exceptional performance throughout the week long football fiesta.

He said: ‘We are here as a government to always encourage you, and we appreciate this cup you have presented to me on behalf of my principal.

‘The Edo Queens FC have made us proud again. On behalf of Governor Monday Okpebholo, I congratulate you all. You are great ambassadors of our state,’ he added.

The Deputy Governor also lauded Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Desmond Amadin Enabulele and Head Coach, Moses Aduku, for guiding both Edo Queens and Bendel Insurance FC to prominence.

He expressed optimism that the Bendel Insurance would achieve greater achievements in the current season.

In his remarks, Enabulele said the Bayelsa pre-season tournament served as a valuable testing ground to assess and strengthen the squad ahead of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) season.

‘Team Edo did very well. We were the only side that did not concede a goal throughout the tournament,’ he noted.

The management of Transcorp Hilton Abuja on Tuesday hosted leading media executives to an evening of networking and appreciation, reaffirming its commitment to sustaining a strong and mutually beneficial relationship with the media.

The event, themed ‘Media Cocktail Reception,’ brought together prominent journalists, senior editors, and members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, led by its Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike.

In his welcome address, the General Manager of Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Mr. Zarybnicky, expressed deep appreciation to the media for their consistent support over the years through reportage and positive coverage.

He described his experience in Nigeria since assuming duty in August as ‘remarkable and deeply rewarding,’ commending Nigerians for their warmth, hospitality, and continued patronage of the hotel.

‘This is definitely the leading hotel in Africa, and we are very proud of this brand. For over thirty years, Transcorp Hilton has been the pride of Abuja,’ he said.

‘In just three months in Nigeria, I have found this country amazing – the people’s sense of humor, the food, and the culture. We at Hilton appreciate everyone and look forward to deepening our relationship with the media,’ he added.

Mr. Zarybnicky reaffirmed the hotel’s commitment to maintaining an open and collaborative relationship with the media, emphasizing that such partnerships are vital to growth and innovation in the hospitality sector.

He assured that the doors of Transcorp Hilton Abuja ‘will always remain open to the media for enquiries, engagement, and partnership opportunities that highlight the hotel’s exceptional services.’

During the event, the Communications and Marketing Manager, Mrs. Ijeoma Osuji, made a brief presentation showcasing the hotel’s innovative hospitality offerings and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

According to her, in 2025 alone, the hotel recycled over 15,000 kilograms of waste through eco-friendly processes and supported hundreds of individuals, including persons living with disabilities, through its CSR projects.

Among the dignitaries in attendance were the Immediate Past President of the NUJ, Comrade (Chief) Chris Isiguzo, MFR; Deputy Managing Director of Arise News, Mr. Bayo Awosemo; NUJ FCT Council Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike; Council Secretary, Comrade Sandra Udeike; and Council Auditor, Mrs. Rosemary Ukoko-Tega, among others.

Recognised as one of sub-Saharan Africa’s leading five-star hotels, Transcorp Hilton Abuja boasts 670 luxury rooms, eight restaurants and bars, a 670-capacity event hall, and extensive recreational facilities, including a casino, golf course, tennis courts, and a health club.

As a premier destination for business, leisure, and international diplomacy, the hotel continues to serve as a landmark venue, hosting heads of state, global conferences, and distinguished guests from across the world.

Those present from the hotel’s management team included the General Manager, Mr. Martin Zarybnicky; Communications and Marketing Manager, Mrs. Ijeoma Osuji; Hotel Manager, Mr. Mohamed Said Khalil; Commercial Director, Mrs. Betty Aguiyi-Ironsi; Brand and Marketing Manager, Mr. Ifeanyi Nnadi; and Director of Sales, Mr. Ekun Daniel Friday.

The Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Obi Asika, has said Nigeria’s creative and cultural industries are leading Africa’s entertainment growth, with the sector projected to reach $100 billion by 2030.

He said the latest PwC report placing Nigeria ahead of other African nations with an 11.2% growth rate last year reaffirmed the strength and potential of the country’s entertainment and media ecosystem.

Asika, who spoke on Arise News at the weekend, said: ‘I think the PwC numbers are saying $25 billion by 2025, but for us in the sector, we’re trying to get to $100 billion by 2030.

‘We just completed a significant mapping of the sector for the very first time, supported by Big Win Philanthropy, covering ten sectors. Our target is to add two million jobs by 2030, but the data shows we can actually add up to three million.’

He noted that the report underscored how the creative industry continues to lead Nigeria’s economy even in difficult times, noting that technology remains the key driver of scale.

‘Technology enables scale, but can you imagine a digital platform without our content? It’s dead. This sector animates everything – news, music, entertainment, podcasts, art – all come from it. That’s why these PwC numbers and even Spotify’s figures show how powerful the sector has become,’ he said.

Asika disclosed that Spotify paid Nigerian artists N58 billion in 2024, with over 1.2 million Afrobeats playlists hosted on the platform – a sign, he said, that Nigerian content has fully validated itself on the global stage.

‘Our music is no longer in the phase of validation – it’s already validated,’ he added.

He however warned that to sustain the boom, Nigeria must invest in infrastructure, regulation, and local platforms to ensure artists and creators benefit directly.

‘We want to see more domestic digital platforms built. There’s nothing wrong with YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram, but we must develop our own ecosystem and capture our own value.

‘The key question is retaining that value domestically. A mix of policy, digital and physical infrastructure investment will take us there,’ he added.

Highlighting Nigeria’s immense creative talent, Asika said soft power through the arts had already proven its worth globally.

‘Nigerians need to be celebrated. Our creativity has penetrated everywhere with very little investment. Government can’t claim to have done much yet – maybe we’re just coming to the party.

‘There’s talent everywhere – in Kafanchan, Onitsha, Enugu, Kaduna, Ibadan – not just in Lagos or Port Harcourt. The question is how to create platforms and give opportunities for exposure and growth,’ he said.

On the forthcoming National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST), holding between November 22nd and 29th in Enugu State, he said:

‘Come to Enugu, he said, ‘Governor Peter Mbah has promised it will be the biggest and best ever. We’re expecting all 36 states and the FCT, and Katsina is even bringing 100 horses for the first-ever Durba in the Southeast.

‘People don’t even realise that the Durba is the same as the Ofala or Ojude Oba – moments when the king comes out to greet his people. That’s why our theme this year is Connected Culture.’

Asika expressed excitement about the recently reopened National Arts Theatre in Lagos, describing it as a game-changer for the sector.

‘It’s a world-class venue, and once programmed properly, it’ll transform the landscape. My colleague Tola Akerele already has nine months of programming lined up, and from November 1st, you’ll start seeing what’s coming,’ Asika said.

The Super Falcons have booked their place at next year’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after a 1-1 draw against Benin Republic on Tuesday, completing a 3-1 aggregate victory over the Amazons to secure qualification.

The return leg, played at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, saw the Falcons fail to replicate their dominant first-leg display in Cotonou, where they had triumphed 2-0.

Nevertheless, coach Justin Madugu, praised his players’ resilience while admitting that the performance fell short of expectations.

‘It didn’t come as much of a surprise. We knew it was going to be a tough game,’ Madugu said during the post-match press conference.

‘I want to apologise to Nigerians for not meeting their expectations, sometimes, teams zave off days, today was one of those, the girls gave their best, and while the result wasn’t ideal, we are taking it as a wake-up call that there’s still a lot of work to do.’

The coach, who confirmed he has signed a two-year contract with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) running until October 2027, emphasised that the focus now shifts to preparing the team for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

‘The last World Cup is behind us. Now, as African champions, every team wants to beat us. That means we must double our efforts and keep improving, It’s a new transition phase, and we’ll continue to test players, build depth, and refine our system before the next global tournament,’ he said.

In her own post-match remarks, Captain Rasheedat Ajibade expressed pride qualification and acknowledging that the Super Falcons must maintain focus as stronger in her team’s challenges await.

She said: ‘We weren’t overconfident, we expected Benin to come all out, especially after how they played in the second half of the first leg, today wasn’t our best performance, but we’ll take the lessons and keep improving. We know our standards and must continue pushing ourselves.’

Ajibade, who recently received an individual honour at the Nigerian Pitch Awards, dedicated the recognition to her teammates, coaches, and fans.

‘This award means a lot – not just to me, but to every young girl who dares to dream,’ she said emotionally. ‘I dedicate it to my Super Falcons sisters, my club, the technical staff, and everyone who has supported my journey. To the next generation of girls watching – keep believing, keep working, your dreams are valid.’

For the Benin Republic, the result, though not enough for qualification, was historic. Their head coach, Abdullahi Husseinu, lauded his players’ fighting spirit, describing the draw as a morale booster.

‘We came to Nigeria to win because we always compete to win,’ Husseinu said. ‘Our players showed great character, especially in the second half. Most of them are very young – some are under-17 and under-20 – and this experience will make them stronger. The future is bright for Beninese women’s football.’

He added a personal touch, revealing his emotional connection to Nigeria, where he ended his professional playing career with Sunshine Stars a decade ago.

‘Playing here brought back special memories for me,’ he said tearfully. ‘Nigeria will always have a special place in my heart.’

With the qualification secured, the Super Falcons will now shift focus to preparations for both the 2026 WAFCON tournament and the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, as they continue to rebuild under Coach Madugu’s leadership and maintain their dominance as Africa’s most successful women’s football team.

The House of Representatives on Wednesday asked the Federal Government, through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to direct the Bank of Agriculture, the Bank of Industry (BoI) and other relevant financial institutions to provide easy access to short-term loans in favour of cassava farmers in the country.

The House also asked the government to immediately reconstitute the defunct Presidential Committee on the Cassava Initiative Programme, known as ‘Composite Cassava Flour of 2002’ to improve the welfare of cassava peasant farmers in the country.

In a resolution following a motion sponsored by Canice Moore Chukwuugozie Nwachhukwu, the House urged the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to embark on massive value chain training of peasant farmers on cassava production, processing and packaging.

Moving the motion, Nwachhukwu said cassava production in Nigeria is developing as an organised agricultural crop with locally established processing techniques for food products and livestock feeds.

He informed cassava is produced in almost all the 36 States of the Federation, including the FCT, while the peels have a high level of Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN), particularly in bitter cassava varieties, which are common in Nigeria and used as an energy supplement in cattle, which can partly replace 30% of total Dry Matter Intake (DMI) energy concentrates, with no influence on the intake, digestibility, microbial efficiency and nitrogen retention and act as an antidote to many cattle diseases.

He stated that there are four planting seasons across the country’s six geopolitical zones and is therefore available all year round.

According to him, this will give the farmers access to a better market share with good selling prices, which will ultimately increase their income while contributing their quota in feeding the nation and increase Gross Domestic Product (GDP), adding that diversification of the Nigerian economy could be achieved by using cassava as an alternative to crude oil to earn substantial amounts of foreign exchange through massive cultivation both for local consumption and export.