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Papal gift helps hungry families in South Sudan
Hungry families in South Sudan will be able to make ends meet thanks to vegetable-growing kits funded by a donation from Pope Francis. The kits come as the food security situation is forecast to worsen in coming months.
Around 5,000 families, or more than 30,000 people, in Yei in Central Equatoria have benefited from the recent €25,000 contribution from the Pope to FAO. The money is being used to provide the kits and agricultural hand tools in an area where livelihoods such as farming have been wiped out by fighting.
“Before the war, life was good and we could eat sufficiently, now just some little breakfast and dinner. My child still cries that he’s hungry,” said 22-year-old Suzan Night who was among those who received the kits from FAO in Yei. “Onions and tomatoes can be sold at the market which will really help me,” she said.
Difference between life and death
“These vegetable kits can be the difference between life and death for many people,” said Serge Tissot, FAO’s Representative in South Sudan. “Thanks to Pope Francis’ contribution, more people in Yei will be able to re-start growing their own food to stave off the worst ravages of hunger,” he said.
“Thanks to Pope Francis’ contribution, more people in Yei will be able to re-start growing their own food to stave off the worst ravages of hunger”
The kits will provide seven fast-growing vegetable varieties to increase families’ access to nutritious foods and bridge the food gap between the cereal harvests.
“I don’t have money to go buy food in the market so I really need this,” said 30-year-old Candiru Lily. “I had to run for my life from the village and now I am here in Yei, but I don’t have much land. With the seeds that I got today, I will plant just around my home and it will help me a lot.”
Crying for peace
In Central Equatoria, an estimated 145,000 people are facing emergency levels of food insecurity, which is one step below famine on the internationally-agreed scale of hunger crises. The extent of hunger is repeated many times over in other communities across South Sudan because fighting has destroyed livelihoods and constrained aid agencies’ access, and because hyperinflation has put food out of reach for many.
“We are so grateful,” said Jeremiah Taban, pastor at Yei’s Episcopal Church. “People in South Sudan are really suffering and are crying for peace. If Pope Francis could see us now he would feel sorry because no human beings should live like this”.
Hungry season to start early
Across South Sudan, the number of people experiencing severe food insecurity is estimated at 4.8 million. The food security situation is projected to deteriorate at the start of 2018 and the ‘hungry season’ – when households typically run out of food before the next harvest – is forecast to start three months earlier than usual.
FAO’s team in South Sudan is focusing on strengthening food security by improving livelihoods. FAO has provided fishing, crop- and vegetable-growing kits to more than 4.2 million people, many in difficult to reach or conflict-affected areas, to support them to grow or catch their own food. FAO has also vaccinated and treated more than 4.8 million livestock, to protect these livelihood assets for vulnerable families.
A member of the House of Representatives, Engr. Aderemi Oseni has paid glowing tribute to the late elder statesman and political icon, Alhaji Yekini Adeojo, describing his passing as the end of an era in Oyo State politics.
The lawmaker, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency, extolled Adeojo’s lifelong commitment to the advancement of democracy and community development in the state and beyond.
In a statement released through his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, on Friday, in Ibadan, Oseni, who is also the Chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) expressed deep sorrow over the demise of the former chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), noting that Adeojo’s legacy of selfless service, mentorship, and unwavering patriotism will continue to inspire generations of political leaders in the region.
“Alhaji Yekini Adeojo was not only a political leader but also a symbol of courage and unwavering loyalty to the good of Oyo State. His contributions to the socio-political growth of our dear state, especially during the formative years of the Fourth Republic, remain indelible,” he said.
The lawmaker stated that the elder statesman was always full of wisdom and generously offered guidance to younger politicians irrespective of party affiliation.
“His doors were always open. He believed in giving others a sense of belonging. We have lost a father figure,” he added.
The APC chieftain, Oseni, who shares the same Ido Local Government Area as the late Adeojo, extended his condolences to the deceased’s immediate family, the Ibadan community, and the broader political circle in Oyo State, urging them to find solace in his impactful legacy.
He prayed for the peaceful repose of Adeojo’s soul and fortitude for the family to bear the irreparable loss.
Renowned Ibadan-born businessman and prominent political figure, Chief Yekini Adeojo, has passed away.
Chief Adeojo, a respected elder statesman and a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), died in the early hours of Friday.
Although the precise circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear as of the time of filing this report, sources indicate that he will be laid to rest later today in accordance with Islamic rites.
Adeojo was a founding member of the PDP and served as the party’s Deputy National Chairman (South). Over the years, he was a key player in Oyo State’s political landscape and had vied for the governorship seat on multiple occasions.
Beyond his political exploits, Chief Adeojo was also a respected voice within the community, known for his philanthropic gestures and deep-rooted influence in both business and religious circles.
He held the traditional title of Seriki Musulumi of Yorubaland, a position that amplified his standing among the Muslim faithful.
He is survived by children, among whom is Hon. Sheriff Adeojo, the current Chairman of Ido Local Government Area in Oyo State.
The House of Representative member representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency, Oyo State, Engr. Aderemi Oseni has felicitated with Barrister Akeem Agbaje, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on his birthday.
Oseni, who also chairs the House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), in a statement by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, described the celebrant as a man of integrity and an accomplished legal practitioner whose contributions to politics and governance in the state remain exemplary.
He commended the APC stalwart for his unwavering commitment to democratic ideals and party development, adding that his leadership qualities and dedication to service had earned him respect across political and professional circles.
“Barrister Akeem Agbaje is a brother and friend whose wisdom, integrity, and passion for public service stand out. He has remained one of the pillars of support for our great party and has consistently championed policies that uplift the people,” Oseni said.
The lawmaker lauded Agbaje’s efforts in mentoring young professionals and supporting initiatives that promote education and youth development, noting that his impact extended beyond politics.
Oseni prayed for his continued success, good health, and prosperity.
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