Day: May 17, 2023

Posted on

Tizeti to tackle broadband underdevelopment in Cote d’Ívoire with Microsoft

ABIDJAN, Cote d’Ívoire, May 17, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Tizeti, a leading internet service provider in West Africa, announced an expanded collaboration with Microsoft to address the issue of broadband underdevelopment in Cote d’Ívoire and bring internet access to almost 5 million people.

The partnership aims to provide affordable and reliable high-speed internet access to underserved communities and people in the country, addressing the significant broadband gap that has hindered economic development and social progress in the region and empowering more Ivorians to participate in the digital economy.

Cote d’Ívoire is believed to have less than 40% internet penetration, with fixed internet around 2%. The fixed internet and broadband sectors remain underdeveloped in Cote dÍvoire, due to a legacy of poor international connectivity, which resulted in high wholesale prices, limited bandwidth, and a lack of access for alternative operators to international infrastructure. Operators such as MainOne, and Africa Coast to Europe have subsea infrastructure, with 2Africa expected to land in 2023. While the submarine cable vertical is more competitive, Cote d’Ívoire has limited last-mile providers who pull the internet capacity and distribute it to homes, offices, schools, hospitals, and other public institutions.

Tizeti will roll out high-speed internet infrastructure with Microsoft’s Airband Initiative, leveraging Tizeti’s low-cost wireless technologies. This will help make it easier and cheaper for people to access the internet and connect to the digital economy. These shared efforts are part of the Microsoft Airband Initiative’s commitment to bring internet access to 100 million Africans by the end of 2025, which aligns with Tizeti’s goal of connecting more people to the internet in a cost-efficient way.

“We are thrilled to partner with Microsoft to bring reliable and affordable high-speed internet access to underserved communities in Cote d’Ívoire,” said Kendall Ananyi, Chief Executive Officer of Tizeti. “Our mission at Tizeti is to bring affordable and reliable internet to more Africans outside the digital envelope, and this partnership is a significant step forward in achieving that goal. This work with Microsoft continues our joint efforts to deliver world-class internet connectivity to the people of Africa, starting with Nigeria and now Cote d’Ívoire.”

Microsoft’s Airband Initiative is focused on advancing digital equity—access to affordable internet, affordable devices, and digital skills—as a platform for empowerment and digital transformation across the world.

“Through our expanded partnership with Tizeti, we are committed to providing high-speed internet access to five million people in Cote d’Ivoire by the end of 2025,” said Vickie Robinson, General Manager of Microsoft’s Airband Initiative. “Partners such as Tizeti are vital to the Airband ecosystem, which relies on local expertise along with public and private organizations of every size to tailor regional solutions. The expansion to Cote d’Ivoire will help build sustainable infrastructure that strengthens local development and reduces barriers to connectivity.”

For many countries in Africa, there is still a huge digital divide. This boundary between connected and unconnected translates into clear consequences for employment, education, family and social life, and access to information. Collaborations such as this play a significant role in addressing the digital infrastructure deficits in emerging economies, leveraging innovative technology and capabilities, to improve development outcomes for millions of people.

About Tizeti

Tizeti is a fast-growing Wireless Internet service provider in Nigeria, Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire delivering high-speed unlimited Wi-Fi Internet access to residential and business customers using wide-area Wi-Fi.

Contact: Temitope Osunrinde (press@tizeti.com)

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8840227

Posted on

Sweegen’s Rebaudioside M receives full authorization for use in the United Kingdom

Bestevia Reb M expands sugar reduction solutions in the U.K.and is now available to food and beverage producers.

Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., May 17, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Global sweetness and flavor innovator, Sweegen has announced that its Bestevia® Rebaudioside M (Reb M) has been fully authorized for use in the United Kingdom (U.K.) This regulatory approval marks a significant milestone for Sweegen, as it becomes the first and only company to receive authorization for any steviol glycosides produced using alternative technologies in the U.K.

Reb M, a high-purity steviol glycoside derived from the stevia plant, is renowned for its clean and sugar-like taste profile. It offers a natural, zero-calorie sweetness solution, making it an ideal choice for food and beverage manufacturers seeking to reduce sugar content and provide healthier options to consumers. Sweegen’s nature-based sweeteners, including its Reb M, offer a scalable and cost-effective alternative to traditional sugar.

Brands in the U.K. have eagerly anticipated the authorization of Sweegen’s Bestevia Reb M during the initial formulation phase and tastings. They are actively collaborating with Sweegen’s food and beverage applications experts based at its EMEA U.K. Innovation Studio in Reading, England, to integrate this highly sought-after stevia ingredient, along with Sweegen’s outstanding taste modulation and unique sweeteners, into their formulations.

Damian Bellusci, Vice President of Sales EMEA/APAC at Sweegen, expressed his excitement about the authorization, stating, “We are extremely proud to be the pioneers in securing full authorization for Bestevia Reb M in the U.K. This milestone reaffirms Sweegen’s commitment to providing innovative, nature-based, and sustainable sweetening solutions to the industry. Reb M offers food and beverage manufacturers an exceptional tool to meet consumer demands for healthier products without compromising taste.”

The decision to authorize the bioconversion manufacturing method for steviol glycosides, including Reb M, was made by the Minister for Primary Care and Public Health in relation to England, the Welsh Ministers in relation to Wales, and the Minister for Public Health, Women’s Health and Sport in relation to Scotland. The authorization is per Article 10(1) of retained Regulation 1333/2008, fulfilling the requirements.

The authorized manufacturing method allows for using steviol glycosides, including Reb M, in the Great Britain (GB) market. The Regulations provide updated terms of authorization for using this method in GB, with the terms being similar to those in the European Union (EU) and Northern Ireland. For the latest information, referring to the relevant EU Regulations on the EUR-Lex website is recommended.

Casey McCormick, Vice President of Global Innovation at Sweegen, emphasized the significance of Reb M in driving product innovation. “The approval of Bestevia Reb M in the UK represents a very positive step forward for brands looking to improve the nutrition profile of their products. The clean, sweet taste of our Bestevia Reb M enables new approaches to reduce and eliminate sugar in a way that exceeds consumers’ expectations  and supports public health objectives to reduce sugar consumption.”

Hadi Omrani, Vice President of Technical and Regulatory Affairs at Sweegen, highlighted the rigorous safety and compliance standards behind Bestevia Reb M’s authorization. Omrani stated, “At Sweegen, we prioritize safety, quality, and regulatory compliance. Obtaining full authorization for Bestevia Reb M in the U.K. required thorough scientific evaluations and stringent assessments to ensure its safety for consumption. This achievement reflects our commitment to delivering superior products that meet the highest industry standards.”

Sweegen is dedicated to revolutionizing the sweetener market with innovative solutions that promote healthier choices without compromising taste. The full authorization of Bestevia Reb M in the U.K. reinforces Sweegen’s leadership in the nature-based sweetener space and positions the company as a trusted partner for food and beverage manufacturers worldwide.

Sweegen recently attained FEMA GRAS status for sweet proteins brazzein and thaumatin II, complementing steviol glycosides in food and beverage production. With the addition of brazzein and thaumatin II, Sweegen continues to expand its portfolio of safe and effective taste-modulating flavors that can help food and beverage manufacturers meet the demand for healthier and delicious products to align with consumers’ holistic approaches to wellness. Brazzein is the star ingredient in Sweegen’s newly launched Sweetensify flavors for taste modulation, an ideal flavors tool for brands seeking to create sugar-like tastes in food and beverages.

About Sweegen

Sweegen provides sweet-taste solutions for food and beverage manufacturers around the world.
We are on a mission to reduce sugar and artificial sweeteners in the global diet. Partnering with customers, we create delicious zero-sugar products that consumers love. With the best modern sweeteners in our portfolio, such as Bestevia® Rebs B, D, E, I, M, and N, and sweet proteins brazzein and thaumatin, along with our deep knowledge of flavor modulators and texturants, Sweegen delivers market-leading solutions that customers want, and consumers prefer. Well. Into the Future.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1996. Sweegen’s actual results may differ from the estimates, assumptions, and other illustrative material contained herein, and consequently, a reader should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, illustrative information regarding Sweegen’s bottom-up assumed market potential, assumed hit rate, and the resulting revenue based on these model inputs. These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the expected results.

Industry, Market, and Other Data
In this press release, we rely on and refer to information and statistics regarding market participants in the sectors in which Sweegen competes and other data. We obtained this information and statistics from our own internal estimates and third-party sources, including reports by market research firms and company filings. We do not expressly refer to these sources. All of this information involves a number of assumptions and limitations, and the sources of such information cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of such information. The industry in which Sweegen operates is subject to a high degree of uncertainty and risk due to a variety of important factors, any of which could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in the estimates made by Sweegen or third parties.

Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements, including, among other statements, statements regarding the future prospects for Reb M stevia leaf sweetener, brazzein, and thaumatin. These statements are based on current expectations but are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and beyond Sweegen’s control.

Relevant risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements and, therefore, should be carefully considered. Sweegen assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events or developments.

Attachments

Ana Arakelian
Sweegen
+1.949.709.0583
ana.arakelian@sweegen.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8841398

Posted on

Oil tax revenue drops in first quarter this year

The oil tax revenue stood at 1.3 billion kwanzas in the first quarter of this year, Kz 800 billion less compared to the same period of 2022, during which the sector collected Kz 2.1 billion.

The value (Kz 1.3 billion) resulted from the sale of 96.84 million barrels of oil at an average price of USD 79.31, based on data available on the Ministry of Finance website, through the Special Taxation Directorate (DTE) .

As for the first quarter of 2022, in which the State collected 2.1 billion kwanzas, the country exported 103.144 million barrels, at an average price of USD 87.

The first quarter of this year (2023) loses with 2022, both in terms of the average price per barrel and in terms of the quantities of crude oil exported.

The revenue collected results from the payment of taxes on the transaction, sharing and production of crude oil.

Block 17 remains in the main position with the best performance, producing 32.5 million of the total barrels of crude oil exported, followed by Block 32, with 12.9 million, Block 0, with 12.8 million and Block 15 with 11.06 million barrels.

In 2022, oil tax revenues were around 9.108 billion kwanzas, in 2022, representing a growth of 51% compared to the same period (2021), which recorded revenues of Kz 6. 034 billion.

Revenue collected last year resulted from the sale of around 417 million barrels of oil, as well as the payment of taxes on the transaction, sharing and production of crude oil, according to the manager of the General Tax Administration (AGT), Tiago Santos, who was speaking at a press conference this Monday, in Luanda.

For this economic year of 2023, the Budget proposal has a reference price of USD 75 per barrel of oil, and an average daily oil production of 1.18 million barrels.

Source: Angola Press News Agency (APNA)

Posted on

Angola’s Kwanza depreciates 3.1% due to the fall in amount of foreign currency

Angola’s currency Kwanza depreciated 3.1% last Friday (12th), due to the drop in the amounts of currency made available to the market, breaking a period of apparent stability, ANGOP has learned.

Angolan currency had been under pressure for some time, and the situation is visible in some movements in the unofficial market, with the “spread” (buying and selling difference) widening in the exchange of dollars, but also euros, states BFA bank on its publication.

The source highlights that the inflow of foreign currency into the country has been lower, mainly due to the decrease in export earnings.

The publication stresses the first quarter of 2023 as a reference, in which exports of goods will have totaled US$8.3 billion, a drop of 11.1% compared to USD 9.4 billion in the fourth quarter of 2022.

As for imports of goods, adds the bank, the drop in the same period was 10.7%, to USD 4.1 billion, which would not point to the current imbalance.

Still, the BFA publication mentions the drop in the sale of currency to the private economy, in a greater amount due to the decrease in the provision of foreign currency by the Treasury, which generally provides more than 25% of foreign currency to the market.

The inflows of currency in April and May of this year have been falling with greater intensity due to the drop in the price of oil, which is another factor of imbalance in the market.

According to the document, there is also an expectation that the Kwanza will stabilise at a level closer to USD/AOA 540/550, at the end of the year.

Year-on-year inflation in April stood at 10.6%, a fall of just 0.2 percentage points (pp) compared to March, signaling the fifteenth consecutive month of decline, thus remaining at 0.9 % for consecutive months.

Source: Angola Press News Agency (APNA)

Posted on

FG shuts Apapa-bound lane of Marine Bridge

The Federal Ministry of Works on Wednesday shut down the Apapa-bound lane of the beginning of Marine Bridge in Lagos, damaged by vandals, for safety of the public.

A News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent who visited the site of the collapsed portion of the bridge reports that a team of engineers from Buildwell Plants and Equipment Industries Ltd. used crash barriers to barricade the damaged portion of the deck on pile bridge.

A deck on pile is a bridge that does not have piers.

NAN observed that while the firm, contractors handling, Eko and Marine Bridge projects, did that, a combined team of traffic regulatory agencies managed traffic around the diversion.

The Police also supported the team.

Mrs Olukorede Keisha, Assistant Director in charge of Federal Highways in Lagos State, upon arrival and re-evaluation of the infrastructure, ordered total shutdown of the portion.

Keisha told NAN that the service lane of the deck on pile bridge was damaged and caved in due to activities of vandals.

She said investigation revealed that the vandals had set fire underneath the bridge to gain access to iron rods and other steel components under the bridge to be able to cut them off.

She said because the steel components of the bridge had been removed and stolen by the vandals, it caved in.

She said thorough assessment revealed urgent need to close the bridge to avert risk to motorists and other road users.

“On inspection, we discovered that the place was set on fire to expose the reinforcement for them to cut it off and that is what they have done.

“And the concrete alone without the tension cannot cope with the pressure. It needs to be assisted with reinforcement. Once reinforcement is taken away, concrete alone cannot do the job, hence the collapse.

“For overriding public safety, there is need to shut it down immediately.

“We have looked at it, the contractor has critically assessed the situation. So, we are going back to the drawing board to evaluate it and look at the possible quick way to resolve it.

“But meanwhile, we are going to close this and divert traffic to alternative routes,” she said.

Keisha, who arrived the scene at about 3.03 p.m. with a team of engineers, engaged the head of the LASTMA and FRSC teams on an urgent traffic architecture for the closure and diversion of vehicles.

She told NAN that traffic would be diverted through Costain and the Lagos Island-bound portion of the Marine Bridge as alternative routes.

Placing of crash barriers on the bad portion.

Keisha appealed to road users to be patient as the Federal Government was doing everything humanly possible to quickly fix the damaged portion.

She said an urgent proposal was being prepared for immidiate dispatch to the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, assuring them that repairs would begin almost immediately.

She appealed to Lagos residents to take ownership of roads and other public infrastructure to protect them against vandalism.

She said the hardship caused by activities of vandals usually impacted negatively on all residents of the state, hence the need for vigilance to stop miscreants from damaging public infrastructure.

“We have to take all public utilities as if it is ours,” she said.

She said that the road caved in on Tuesday evening and the contractor was immidiately mobilised to site to begin investigation toward quick solutions.

NAN reports that the traffic regulatory agencies allowed vehicles that were already on the Carter Bridge to be evacuated through the earlier diversion created.

They then totally closed the approach of the Apapa-bound lane of the Marine Bridge located near Ijora Olopa, adjacent to the Lagos State Water Corporation.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Posted on

Yaounde: thief beaten to death by population

A thief has been beaten to death this May 17 at the Amour Mezam, Tongolo branch neighborhood in Yaounde, center region of Cameroon.

According to eye witnesses, the alleged thief attempted to steal a lady’s bag and phone when the agency guard intervened but was quickly stabbed in his neck and side by the robber.

“We were at the agency at about 4:30 AM and passengers who arrived were waiting for their families to come and pick them. The guy walked up to the lady with a long knife on his hand and demanded for her bag and phone. This alerted the guard who was conscious that he had to protect passengers. In an attempt to stop the thief, the thief stabbed the guard more than three times, on the neck and the side. It was on the shouting of the guard that the population was alerted and they started beating him,” a witness stated.

He was said to have a chain on the leg that was supposedly preventing him from feeling any pains or dying at first.

“He was even having a chain on his leg but no one noticed it at first. He was beaten severely from 4:30 am till about 9 am but he did not die. It was a random little girl who indicated to the population that they should cut off the chain on his leg. Immediately after they did, the thief died about 5 minutes after,” the witness indicated.

“I am a mother and will never want my child to end this way. There are several things youths can do instead of stealing, it is bad. You may end up losing your life and life continues here on earth,” a shocked woman stated.

“I am a bike rider and I left the house this morning at 4:30am and as of now I have already made F CFA 3500 and by the end of the day I would have had more. So why steal when you can do something good with your life to earn a leaving?” another witness wondered.

The Guard who was stabbed is said to be receiving treatment at a hospital in the Emana neighborhood.

The population acknowledged that theft in this neighborhood is very frequent as passengers and citizens are harassed frequently.

It is worthy of note that the said thief is said to have just come out of Prison after serving a two-year jail term.

Source: Cameroon News Agency

Posted on

FG assures farmers of access to quality seeds

The Federal Government has assured farmers across the country of access to improved quality seeds with the newly inagurated Revised National Agricultural Seed Policy 2022.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Mohammed Abubakar stated this at the inauguration of the Policy in Abuja,

He said the policy would ensure farmers unrestricted access to best genetics to enhance their productivity.

Abubakar listed a number of challenges militating against food production and food security in Nigeria.

He said that these factors included economic uncertainty, policy inconsistencies, rising oil prices, population explosion, insecurity and of recent the arm conflicts in many nations of the world.

The minister said it became imperative for the review of the 2015 National Seed Policy in order to bring about progressive and positive changes in the operations of the seed industry.

He said: “It is expected that following the critical review of the 2015 National Seed Policy, the progressive and positive changes in the operations of the seed industry has necessitated the review exercise.

“The present seed policy document represents the concerted efforts of the National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC) and stakeholders,” he said.

The minister said stakeholders have made valuable inputs and contributions, towards ensuring that farmers have unrestricted access to best genetics to enhance their productivity.

“Let me reiterate that this Revised Policy has removed the ambiguous areas in the esthwhile 2015 National Seed Policy.

“It will strengthened the identified weaknesses and introduced innovations that optimised the regulatory, promotional and protection roles of NASC in ensuring that our esteemed farmers have access to improved quality seeds.

“Some of these include the introduction of SEEDCODEX as a quality authentication tool and traceability aimed at curbing adulteration, participation of third party seed inspectors in the quality assurance process,” he said.

The minister recognised contributions of stakeholders at both the public and private sectors in enriching the contents of the New Policy document.

He described it as the ministry’s investment to build a better future for Nigeria’s agriculture based on the importance of seed towards enhancing farmers’ productivity.

Earlier, the Director- General, National Agricultural Seeds Council, (NASC), Dr Philip Ojo said that policy has leverage on the advent of technology and innovations in the seed industry.

He expressed hope that the policy would further enhance government efforts at ensuring that Nigeria is not only food secured but a net exporter of agricultural produce among the committee of nations.

“The NASC will be committed to the full implementation of the policy,” he said.

The Chief of Party, USAID, Feed-the -Future Nigeria Agribusiness Investment Activity, Mr Olumide Ojo assured that the programme remained committed to strengthening the Nigeria’s agribusiness enabling environment.

This, he said, is an important precondition for private sector investment in agriculture..

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on March 27, the Federal Executive Council approved a revised National Agricultural Seed Policy for the country.Explaining the reason for the revision, the government said with the current rate of technological advancement, seeds are constantly being upgraded to standardise four to five vitamins.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Posted on

ANALYSIS: Could Africa broker a peace deal to end the Russia-Ukraine war?

South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced his country will be leading five other African countries to Moscow and Kiev to meet with Presidents Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky respectively in an effort to end the war between both nations.

Speaking on March 16 while hosting the Prime Minister of Singapore, Ramaphosa stated that “…Representing various heads of government, I presented the initiative on behalf of these countries: Zambia, Senegal, Congo Brazzaville, Uganda, Egypt and South Africa as well. The two leaders that I had occasion to speak to, that is President Putin and President Zelensky agreed that they will be willing to receive the mission of the African heads of state in both Moscow and Kiev…

“I agreed with both of them that we will commence with the preparations for their engagements with these African heads of state. The SG of the UN was also briefed and so was the African Union office…”.

The announcement comes several days after the US ambassador to South Africa accused South Africa of “not in fact being neutral” as the ambassador claimed that South Africa was supplying arms to Russia.

Nonetheless, the news is very much celebrated in Africa because it would appear that America and its Western allies are not interested in a peaceful resolution of the conflict. America has not called for peace but has been busy arming Ukraine to the teeth, as have their counterparts in the European Union.

This is one of the rare occasions in which Africa is taking a global leadership position in one of the biggest wars since the start of this century and if the six African countries representing the entire African continent are able to broker a peace deal in the Russia-Ukraine war, this would be a big win not only for Russia and Ukraine but also for the entire African continent and people of African descent.

For far too long, Africa’s image has been one of civil war, corruption and underdevelopment though countries like Botswana, Namibia and Rwanda are doing great things in terms of governance in the case of the first two and innovation in the case of Rwanda.

Brokering a successful peace deal in the Russia-Ukraine war will also be beneficial for African economies because one of the fallouts from the war has been the levels of inflation that have gone over the roof in several African countries. Protests erupted in Ghana months ago over high costs of living and there were also protests in Uganda and Kenya and reports of increased prices for commodities in Cameroon as well – all with some links to the war in Ukraine.

While Ramaphosa’s country is dealing with an energy crisis that sometimes sees power being cut for up to 4 hours a day, this is more to do with outdated infrastructure and corruption than the war in Ukraine.

Ramaphosa understands that his country has its own internal issues to grapple with but that does not make South Africa less of a credible partner in leading the talks between Moscow and Kiev. After all, America has been pushing for Pretoria to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine but Ramaphosa’s government chose a more neutral tone, rather calling for both sides to engage in dialogue to resolve the conflict. Therefore this is being seen as an opportunity for South Africa to prove itself as non-aligned.

It is not clear how the talks will go but although the African delegation will be meeting both Putin and Zelensky separately, there are those who would have preferred to see both leaders sitting in one room. Nonetheless, this is the first time since the war started over a year ago, that both Putin and Zelensky have agreed to both meet leaders that have spoken to Moscow and then Kiev – a remarkable feat for Africa in a European war that has stunned the rest of the world. This is an important time for Africa’s role in global geopolitics and also brings to mind the Biblical quotation in John 1:46 where “Nazareth” can be replaced with Africa in asking “Can anything good come out of Nazareth” and the answer like that of Philip would be “Come and see”.

Source: Cameroon News Agency

Posted on

Lagos targets increased revenue generation with farmers empowerment

The Lagos State Government says its Agricultural Value Chains Enterprise Activation Programme for farmers, food processors, producers and marketers will increase revenue generation in the state.

Ms Abisola Olusanya, State Commissioner for Agriculture, stated this at the presentation of the 2022 Agricultural Value Chains Enterprise Support Programme to beneficiaries on Tuesday in Surulere Local Government Area Secretariat, Lagos.

Olusanya said the ministry recorded N1.2 billion revenue in 2022.

She disclosed with increased empowerment over N3 billion would be generated in terms of revenue by end of 2023.

Olusanya said the empowerment would enhance activities for the Lagos Inland Revenue Services, thereby increasing the entire state’s revenue pool.

She said the empowerment was targeted at appreciating farmers by supporting them with inputs that would in turn increase food production and provide sustainable livelihood.

She said that the ministry was using the big 20 LGA for the distribution adding the entire 37 LCDA would also benefit.

“Today we have beneficiaries representing Surulere LGA, Itire-Ikate LCDA, Coker-Aguda LCDA as well as Mushin LGA and Odi-Olowo LCDA,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the empowerment include live bird delivery truck, smoking kilns, electric de-feathering machines, grinding machine and hand cutting machine.

Others are deep freezer, generating set, herbicides, pesticides, knapsack sprayers, kerosene stove, fertiliser and wheelbarrows, among others.

NAN also reports that over 20,000 farmers, fishermen, food processors, producers and marketers would benefit under the 2022 Agricultural Value Chains Enterprise Support Programme in the state.

“One thing is sacrosanct, we are here to support our farmers, we are here to make them happy and increase food production.

“For revenue generation for 2022, the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture recorded N1.2 billion and I remember at the food festival I said hopefully that in 2023 we should be touching N3 billion in terms of revenue.

“The empowerment agricultural enterprise activation programme that is being done is supporting processing, producers and marketers.

“The hope is for them to be able to increase food production, add more value to the food thereby making more margins for processors and for marketers to have easier access to sell to consumers.

“We have live bird marketers here today walking away with a full truck and de-feathering machine.

“The hope is that with these people registering with the LIRS, the entire Lagos state revenue pool will increase,” she said.

?

She added that the empowerment programme would create more stability caused by elections thereby increasing the revenue generation

“The stakeholders we have here today not all of them will necessarily pay in terms of revenue generation to the Ministry of Agriculture to Lagos state.

“Some will go directly to the LIRS, so you will have direct and indirect revenue.

“The most important thing and what is at the forefront of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration is wealth creation for the people.

“Also, job creation for the people and creating an enabling environment that ensure that the food systems are more secure toward generation.

“We know that with elections that have happened this year, it actually took away bit of resources in terms of people moving out in different directions.

“Generally, during election period there’s a bit of uncertainty in the air, so you see people withdrawing investment in the space,

“Obviously, in terms of revenue generation, you will see a decline in the space but now, I want to believe that everything is over now.

“With inauguration to happen soon, there will be a lot of stability in the system and in the second half of 2023, we should see an increase in the revenue generation across board.

“With the massive infrastructure development Babajide Sanwo-Olu is doing not just in agriculture alone, in works, housing, technology, health, education, environment, it is the hope that the revenue generation of the state will continue to expand,“ she said.

Mr Sulaiman Yusuf, the Chairman, Surulere Local Government Area, commended the state for empowering the people, thereby increasing revenue generation.

Yusuf was represented by Mr Muiz Dosunmu, the Vice Chairman, in the council.

“We appreciate the continual support of the governor for the upliftment of our people. We are sure that the next four years will be a marvelous one for the citizenry,” he said.

One of the beneficiaries, Alhaja Olosola Osoba, President, Live Bird Marketers Association, Lagos State, thanked the state government for empowering the association with a truck and 15 electric de-feathering machines.

Osoba told NAN that the empowerment would upgrade the operations of the members to modern practice.

“We are very happy for the support we received today from the government, it is a big surprise for us.

“With the empowerment, our members will no longer use their hands to de-feather birds, they will use electric machine.

“The electric de-feathering machine is safe, faster, convenient and hygienic,” she said.

Also, Alhaji Lateef Adelodun, the President, Lagos State Plank and Building Materials Marketers Association of Nigeria, lauded the effort of the state government.

Adelodun urged the state government to support its members with plain and circular machine in order to meet market demand.

“We are appealing to the state government to include us as beneficiaries in the 2023 empowerment programme,” Adelodun said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria