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Niger Delta

A’Ibom To Train 1,200 Farmers In 2011

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15 years ago

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Akwa Ibom Government says it is poised to train 1,200 young farmers in 2011 and empower them with micro-credit facilities.

The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mr. Eno Akpan, announced this  in Essien Udim Local Government Area while launching a sensitisation workshop on Rural Finance Institution Building Programme (RUFIN) in the state.

Akpan said that 1,000 women would be trained under the Women Agro-Entrepreneur Development Programme and provided with credit facilities within the year.

He further said that the state government would disburse Nl billion under its Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme to applicants for the expansion of various agricultural ventures.

Akpan said that the RUFIN, which is in its pilot phase, would be implemented in three local government areas Essien Udim, Onna and Itu.

“The goal of RUFIN is to contribute to poverty reduction through the improvement of income, food security and general living conditions of rural poor households.

According to him, the programme targets the rural poor including women, youths and the physically challenged.

“I therefore call on youths, women, the physically challenged as well as the entire good people of Akwa Iborn State to take advantage of these opportunities,” Akpan said.

In his message, the National Programme Coordinator of RUFIN, Mr. Muyiwa Azeez, explained that RUFIN is a collaborative effort among the Federal, some states and local governments with financial assistance from the International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD).

Azeez, represented by Mrs Lydia Ameh, the Community Development and Gender Specialist, said the programme was aimed at reducing poverty, actualising food security and creating wealth in rural areas.

He said that RUFIN had identified and selected 32 micro-finance banks, 4,000 informal village saving groups, 318 financial cooperative societies and 22 non-bank micro-finance institutions for the programme.

“The selected institutions will be strengthened to improve their services to vulnerable groups such as women, youths and the physically challenged, using trainers from the pool of already identified 71 training service providers (TSPs),” Azeez said.

In his address of welcome, the Chairman of Essien Udim Local Government Area, Mr. Nse Ntuen, urged his people to embrace the programme to better their lot.

Ntuen, who was represented by his deputy, Mr Etido Dan, encouraged the people of the area to embrace agriculture, saying that it could make them rich.

“It is not only in politics that people can grow,” the chairman said.

According to sources, the programme will be implemented through a loan agreement of$27.2 million from IFAD and N400,000 grant from Ford Foundation.

The programme is currently being implemented at the pilot stage in 12 states Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Benue, Edo, Imo, Katsina, Nasarawa, Lagos, Oyo and Zamfara and would run for seven years.

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Niger Delta

Otu Recommits To Support For Navy 

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7 days ago

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March 23, 2026

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Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has said his administration will continue to collaborate with the navy for effective protection of the waterways.
Otu stated this when the Commandant, Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) Victory, Commodore Shuaib Ahmed, visited him in Calabar.
The Governor described the visit as critical to consolidating the partnership between Cross River State and the navy.
“Peace and stability remain non-negotiable prerequisites for the progress of the state.
“So, this visit reaffirms our shared resolve to keep the state safe and secured through sustained collaboration,” he said.
Otu stated that security remained the foundation for meaningful development in every society.
“No society prospers in the midst of insecurity. As a state, our development vision depends on peace, order and collective vigilance,” he said.
The Governor commended the Navy for the level of professionalism being exuded by its personnel in the discharge of their duties.
He said the Navy’s efforts had hugely boosted investor confidence and strengthened the state’s economic environment.
The Governor assured the Navy of the state government’s continued support towards enhanced operation.
Earlier, Ahmed explained that the visit followed the military tradition of familiarizing with authorities upon assumption of duties.
He stated that it was crucial to align naval operations with the strategic priorities of the state government.
The naval chief thanked the state government for its support to the force, saying, “your support has helped us immensely in achieving targets”
The Commandant further said there was need to strengthen infrastructure and communication systems in order to address evolving security challenges.
“Operationalising key naval facilities will improve our capacity to tackle maritime crimes.
“The Navy is committed to supporting the state in ensuring the safety and security of the waterways.
“We shall continue to promote peace while enabling the residents to carry out their lawful activities without fear,” he said.
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Niger Delta

Community Praises Diri, Ogbuku On Projects Execution … Prioritises Security, Dev 

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7 days ago

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March 23, 2026

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The Agbura Community of Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, has again lauded the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, and the Managing-Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, over infrastructure projects executed in the community.
Speaking with newsmen midweek in Yenagoa, its Chairman, Community Development Committee, Mr. Tribunal Egba, hailed the Governor for the successful completion of the abandoned Oxbow lake-Agbura Road project and others within the Community.
He also eulogized the NDDC MD for the construction of new lodge in the community for serving Corps members as well as plans to execute other projects.
Mr. Egba added that the completion of the Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road has given the community facelift, while also pleading with the government and the interventionist agency to award shore protection contract in the community to save it from the perennial floodings experienced in the fast urbanizing town.
Similarly, the community’s leadership has given assurances that it will continue to give priority to development and security of lives and property.
The CDC helmsman promised to strengthen the existing community vigilante group, while also stressing that the age-long synergy between the community and security agencies would be improved upon to get rid of crime and criminalities in the area.
“As a community, we’re so thankful to Governor Diri for constructing the abandoned Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road project. We’re also glad with the level of infrastructural development ongoing in other parts of the state, courtesy of the Diri-led administration.
“We also like to laud the MD/CEO, NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku for the construction of a befitting Corpers lodge for Corps members serving in this community.
“Our priority as a community now is to protect these infrastructure projects. We’ll continue to work in synergy with all security agencies to make sure there’s peace and development”, the CDC leadership said.
By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
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Niger Delta

Delta Shocked Over Death Of Chief Protocol Officer

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7 days ago

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March 23, 2026

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Delta State Government has expressed deep sadness over the sudden death of Mr. Sunny Kotor, Senior Special Assistant on Protocol to the State Government.
Kotor, a renowned Master of Ceremony at state functions, reportedly slumped and passed away last Friday.
In a statement signed by the Delta State Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, in Warri on Saturday, his passing was described as “a profound loss; not only to his family, but to the Government and people of Delta State who benefited immensely from his professionalism, composure, and unmistakable presence at official engagements.
“He brought dignity, structure, and excellence to every function he handled, leaving behind a standard that will be difficult to forget,” the statement added.
The Commissioner noted that “every passing is indeed a sobering reminder of how fragile and fleeting life can be,” extending heartfelt condolences to Kotor’s family, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of working with him.
The statement prayed that God would grant them the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
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