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Food Prices Soar Amidst Rising Transport Fares
The prices of food rose Year-on-Year (YoY) amidst rising transport fare in September, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has said.
Analysis of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) selected food price watch data for September 2021 showed that the prices of rice, egg, garri, and tomatoes rose during the period.
Similarly, the NBS transport fare watch data revealed that the prices of transport fare paid for bus, air, water and motorcycle journeys rose sharply YoY in September, 2021.
Analysis of food prices data showed that the average price of 1 dozen of agric eggs medium size increased YoY by 25.84 to N604.99 in September, 2021 from N480.76 in September, 2020.
Also, the average price of 1kg of rice local, sold loose increased YoY by 4.95 per cent to N410.01 from N390.68.
The average price of 1kg of rice imported high quality, sold loose rose YoY in September, 2021 by 5.94 per cent to N546.77 from N516.13 in September, 2020.
The average price of 1kg of tomato increased YoY in September, 2021 by 19.28 per cent to N342.25 from N286.92 in September, 2020.
The average price of 1kg of Garri white, sold loose increased YoY by 27.91 per cent to N301.58 in September, 2021 from N235.77 in September, 2020.
While the average price of 1kg of Garri yellow, sold loose increased YoY by 27.91 per cent to N322.44 in September, 2021 from N263.57 in September, 2020.
Data on transport fare showed that average fare paid by commuters for bus journey within the city rose by 40.56 per cent YoY to N435.36 in September, 2021 from N309.73 in September, 2021.
Also, average fare paid by commuters for bus journey intercity rose by 20 per cent YoY to N2,620.90 in September, 2021 from N2182.45 in September, 2020.
Average fare paid by commuters for journey by motorcycle per drop increased by 39.56 per cent YoY to N306.61 in September, 2021 from N219.70 in September, 2020.
Average fare paid by commuters for journey by waterway rose by 15.64 per cent YoY to N849.06 in September, 2021 from N734.26 in September, 2020.
Average air fare charged for specified single route journeys increased by 0.10 per cent to N36,922.37 in September, 2021 from N36,805.41 in September, 2020.
In their inflation outlook for September, 2021, analysts at United Capital Management Plc, projected further pressure on food prices in 2022 citing less planting activities resulting in limited food production.
“Looking ahead, while price pressures still abound in the economy, our prognosis remains that disinflation will persist in the immediate term.
“First, for food inflation, we expect some reduced pressure on locally produced food items in the near-term as the supply chain continues to be debottlenecked while the harvest season gets into full swing for the rest of year.
“Nevertheless, we expect harvest quantities to be limited (due to reduced farming activities during the recent planting season), implying there could be worse food price pressures to come during the 2022 planting season.”
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol