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FG to revive textile industry, promote made in Nigeria goods – Minister

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The Federal Government has pledged its commitment to revive the textile industry, its value chains, as well as promote made in Nigeria goods.

Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Sen. John Enoh made the pledge on Wednesday in Lagos, during his visit to Sunflag Nigeria Ltd., on a three day industrial tour.

Enoh noted that key agendas of the President Bola Tinubu led administration, included economic growth, through manufacturing and job creation.

The minister said that several years ago, the textile industry, competed almost fairly with government, in terms of employing Nigerians.

He commended the textile company for weathering the storms the country had faced, through the years, and assured that the current government was committed to development of the sector.

“When you say that about two million jobs can be created, that is a bit conservative, and when you talk about 300 containers coming into this country and not officially accounted for, that is not right, and would be addressed.

“The next door country, Benin Republic have a flourishing textile garment industry, and their target is the Nigerian market.

“I have the immediate mandate, in terms of the programme of the ministry, to promote made-in-Nigeria goods and services, and my visit here is to assure you that this is a government that is going to, and is able to change this situation of things,” he said.

Managing Director, Sunflag Nigeria Ltd., Mr Alok Bhardwaj, said the company made use of everything Nigerian; from its people to cotton, wool, threads and yarns, in its production processes.

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He noted that the industry, between 1985 to 1990, had 250,000 employees, with more than 250 companies, producing textiles in Nigeria, and today, had dropped to close to 10,000 employees.

“You would be surprised to know that we import $6 billion every year of textiles into Nigeria, and Nigeria consumers by doing that, employs 750,000 Chinese and Indian workers in their countries to clothe ourselves,” he said.

Bhardwaj noted that threats facing the textile industry include the smuggling of second hand clothing into the country, which he said, affected the tailoring end among others, of the textile value chain.

According to him, close to one million five hundred thousand Nigerian tailors were affected because of the amount of second-hand clothing, coming into the country unabated.

He called for a level playing field that will put Nigeria goods first, to uphold and protect the country’s manufacturing industry.

“The employment of our people has a multiplying effect in the economy, and to achieve the growth targets of government, it is very important that we employ our people to do our things for ourselves,” he said.(NAN)

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Residents of Kaura Namoda Commend Defence Minister for Crackdown on Bandits

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Residents of Kaura Namoda Local Government Area in Zamfara State have expressed their appreciation to the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, for his role in the elimination of over 50 bandits who had been terrorising the region.

In a statement signed by spokesperson Suleiman Yusuf, the community praised Matawalle for his leadership in restoring security, describing his commitment as a major relief for communities that had long suffered from violent attacks.

“We, the residents of Kaura Namoda, express our deep gratitude for the improved security situation.

“We can now live without fear, resuming our daily lives with a renewed sense of safety,” Yusuf stated.

The security operation, conducted under Operation Fansar Yamma, targeted a gathering of armed bandits in Kaura Namoda. A precision airstrike successfully eliminated 50 bandits, while several others sustained injuries, marking a significant blow against criminal elements operating in the region.

In a separate mission in Tsafe Local Government Area, security forces tracked and neutralised a notorious bandit, Shehu Dan Kwale, further strengthening efforts to curb insecurity in Zamfara State.

The military’s actions under the directives of Matawalle have been widely welcomed by residents of Kaura Namoda, Tsafe, and Gusau Local Government Areas, who have endured years of attacks by armed groups. Many now express optimism that sustained efforts will restore lasting peace to their communities.

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6 die as truck rams Into vehicles, pedestrians in Onitsha

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Police Command in Anambra has confirmed that six people died in a multiple-vehicle accident on Saturday at Upper Iweka axis of Onitsha, the commercial hub of the state.

The command’s Public Relations Officer(CPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said in a statement on Sunday that the police had taken over the accident scene to maintain order and facilitate investigations.

“According to eyewitness accounts, the accident occurred due to the loss of control of a truck, which rammed into pedestrians, two tricycles, and a commercial bus loaded with passengers,” he said

Ikenga noted that the crash claimed six lives, while several others sustained injuries and were currently receiving treatment at the hospital.

He added that the bodies of the deceased had been deposited in the morgue.

He added that some relatives of the victims had been contacted and informed about the incident.

Ikenga said that the command extended its condolences to the families and friends of the deceased and wished the injured a swift recovery.

He urged drivers to conduct necessary safety checks before plying the roads to prevent such tragic incidents.

The CPRO assured the public that further updates would be provided as investigations progressed

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Adeleke’s $20m fraud allegation against Oyetola mere shadow chasing – Ogundokun

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A frontline politician, Chief Abiola Ogundokun, has described Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun’s $20 million fraud allegation against his immediate predecessor, Adegboyega Oyetola, as mere shadow chasing.

Ogundokun stated this in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, while reacting to a petition by Adeleke to Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Oyetola.

Adeleke had, in the petition, alleged that Oyetola, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, misappropriated a $20 million World Bank health grant while he was governor of the state.

Ogundokun said in the state that there was nothing serious in the petition other than a drama aimed at generating negative energy toward the 2026 governorship election in the state.

He described Oyetola as a man of sterling performance in the private sector as well as due diligence and strict adherence to rules in the public service as governor.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain also described the former governor as the pride of Osun and Nigeria who should not be pulled down or given uncharitable names but encouraged to do more for the state.

According to him, there is the need to stop a destructive campaign of “I will destroy you if I can’t get it.

“Oyetola is honest to a fault,” he remarked, calling on the people of the state to join him in moving Osun forward.

Ogundokun advised Adeleke to prioritise good governance rather than engaging in frivolous activities.

“What Osun requires and deserves is focused leadership and serious engagements.

“I will advise Ademola Adeleke to stop playing politics with the exalted office of the governor by turning it to a petition writing apparatus.

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“He should use the enormous power of the office to improve the lots of the people instead of deploying the state resources to bully and witch-hunt a perceived enemy or enemies.

“Writing a petition against a man like Oyetola, to me, is like chasing a shadow.

“The task before Adeleke is huge, and meeting the expectations of the people should be his priority and not fighting an imaginary political foe,” he said.

The elder statesman urged the governor not to deviate from the vision of the state’s forefathers.

Rather, he said that Adeleke should learn to build on the good foundation of his predecessor instead of finding ways to shoot down his good legacies. (NAN)

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