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SON Commends FAO, NCC on review of food standards

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The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has commended the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and the National Codex Committee (NCC) for critical role played in the elaboration of food Standards at the International level especially at the various committees of the Codex Alimentarius Commission where Standards are adopted at the National level.

The Director General, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) Mallam Farouk Salim disclosed on Thursday while speaking at the awareness and advocacy workshop organized by the National Codex Committee (NCC) in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN).

for high level policy and decision makers and public presentation of the 4th Edition of the revised National Codex Committee Procedural Manual in Abuja said the review was apt in order to keep abreast with the growth of Codex activities.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Prof. Olobayo Kunle, SON Director General said NCC has also contributed to the review of the Food safety policy and Food safety Bill in Nigeria.

“The National Codex Committee Procedural Manual was first prepared in line with CAC procedural manual published in 2002, with further revisions in 2007 and 2012 to guide the activities and improve functions of all the stakeholders involved for effective operations.

“The review of the NCC Procedural Manual was necessary to keep abreast with the growth of Codex activities over time, incorporate major changes, improve and strengthen Codex structure in Nigeria

“The National Codex Committee (NCC) Nigeria successfully applied for the Codex Trust Fund (CTF) 2 support to build strong, solid and sustainable national capacity to engage in Codex activities through the organization of annual awareness and advocacy workshops with political decision-makers, targeted competent authorities and other stakeholders to disseminate more information on Codex.

“The overall objective of the activity is to sensitize public decision-makers and competent authorities on the need to engage more in the national codex and to regularly provide all the support to increase its actions in favour of food safety at national level” he said.

The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) Representative to Nigeria, Fred Kafeero said since the inception of CAC, FAO has worked with World Health Organisation in the development of international food standards, guidelines, and codes of practices to protect the health of consumers and ensure fair trade practices in the food trade using the principles of risk analysis and scientific advice provided by joint FAO/WHO expert bodies and consultations.

Represented by the FAO Assistant Representative Administration, David Fehintola said its country office in Nigeria with support from the regional office for Africa has continued to partner the Government and the National Codex Committee towards creating effective and efficient policies and strategies to eliminate hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition in the country.

He said FAO believe that ensuring the supply of safe, quality and nutritious foods is as important as ensuring the availability of foods and food standardization as “Poor quality foods do not ensure food security” he said.

The FAO Representative to Nigeria said the agency has been supporting the National Codex Committee (NCC) in Nigeria, which has members from all the MDAs and the Private sector through the execution of the Codex Trust Fund 2 activities with a focus on the implementation of the Codex Strategic Plan 2020-2025.

“We, at FAO believe that it is vital that the NCC commits itself to the core values of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) in its Inclusiveness, Collaboration, Consensus Building and Transparency in all its work.

“FAO in its support through the CTF2 project endeavors to ensure the participation of all Codex members in the country in standard setting process to ensure these core values are met.

“A lot has been achieved this year in terms of capacity building of codex members, advocacy, sensitization and public awareness as well as in the review, finalization and dissemination of the NCC procedural manual” he said.

 

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Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers Regain Freedom After Security Operation – Presidency

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The School Children and Teachers
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The Presidency has confirmed the release of the schoolchildren and teachers who were abducted by suspected bandits in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The victims regained their freedom following coordinated efforts by Nigeria’s security agencies, according to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

Onanuga said the successful rescue operation underscores the commitment of the Federal Government and security agencies to ensuring the safety of citizens and tackling criminal activities across the country.

Although details of the rescue operation were not immediately disclosed, the presidential spokesperson commended the security personnel involved for their professionalism and dedication in securing the release of the abducted pupils and their teachers.

The victims were kidnapped in Oriire Local Government Area, an incident that sparked widespread concern and renewed calls for stronger security measures to protect schools and communities from criminal attacks.

The Presidency reaffirmed the administration’s resolve to intensify efforts against kidnapping, banditry and other forms of insecurity, while assuring Nigerians that security agencies will continue to pursue those responsible for the abduction and bring them to justice.

The release of the pupils and teachers has been welcomed as a significant relief for their families, the affected community and the Oyo State Government. Authorities are expected to provide further details on the rescue operation and the condition of the freed victims.

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Senate Passes Bill to Establish State Police Across Nigeria

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The Senate on Wednesday passed a constitutional amendment bill seeking to establish state police services across the federation, marking a significant step in ongoing efforts to reform Nigeria’s security architecture.

The bill, titled the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026, was considered and approved after extensive debate by lawmakers during plenary.

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INEC Declares Oyebanji Winner of Ekiti Governorship Election, Secures Landslide Re-election

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Ekiti State Governor,Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji
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Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been declared the winner of the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), securing a decisive victory across the state’s 16 local government areas.

The official declaration was made in the early hours of Sunday by the Returning Officer for the election, Professor Adenike Oladiji, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, at the state collation centre.

Announcing the final results at about 3:13 a.m., Oladiji stated that Oyebanji polled a total of 319,224 votes to emerge victorious, defeating other contenders in the keenly contested election.

According to the results released by INEC, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Oluwole Oluyede, garnered 40,543 votes to finish second, while Dare Bejide of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) secured 12,872 votes.

The Returning Officer disclosed that 384,940 voters were accredited for the election conducted across the state on Saturday. She added that 375,777 valid votes were recorded, while 6,332 votes were rejected, bringing the total number of votes cast to 382,109.

“That Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, having satisfied the requirements of the law and scored the highest number of votes cast, is hereby declared the winner and returned elected,” Oladiji announced.

Oyebanji’s victory marks a significant endorsement of his administration by the electorate, as the incumbent governor secured an overwhelming majority of votes across the state.

The governorship election attracted widespread attention, with political stakeholders and observers closely monitoring the process. Voting generally proceeded peacefully across most parts of Ekiti State, although there were reports of technical challenges and allegations of irregularities in some locations during the exercise.

Security agencies maintained a strong presence throughout the election period, while election officials worked to ensure the smooth conduct of the poll.

The declaration officially concludes the 2026 governorship election process in Ekiti State and paves the way for Oyebanji to continue in office for another term as governor.

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