Niger Delta
Delta To Implement Agricultural Fund Account
Delta Government says it has concluded plans to implement the Integrated Agricultural Development Fund Account, which will be supervised by its Directorate of Local Government.
Mr Newworld Safugha, Commissioner, Directorate of Local Government in the state, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Asaba.
Safugha explained that in line with the 2004 Local Government Law of the country, every local government was expected to set aside two per cent of its monthly allocation to execute commercial agricultural scheme.
He said that the scheme was provided for in the agriculture fund account of the Federal Government.
Safugha disclosed that the purpose of the fund was to ensure food sufficiency in states and local governments and create employment for the teeming youths and retirees.
He also said that the implementation of the agricultural development fund account would help the state government to realise its objective of growing an economy not dependent on oil revenue.
“Giving this attention to agriculture does not, however, mean that infrastructural development, transport and other social services as well as peace and security will be relegated,’’ Safugha stated.
He said that to ensure effective and firm implementation of the agriculture programme in the state, a 13-member monitoring committee had been set up by the government.
The commissioner revealed that the directorate was collaborating with the state’s Local Government Service Commission, the Ministry of Agriculture and the House of Assembly committee on Agriculture, on the project.
He also stressed the need for local government councils to be creative and proactive in revenue generation so as to improve their revenue base “without always depending on federal allocation.’’
Safugha said that with improved internally generated revenue, the councils could embark on good grassroots development programmes.
He, however, cautioned that the councils’ chairmen should prioritise projects and programmes in line with their revenue profile.
Niger Delta
Make God Your Anchor To Fulfill Destiny, Cleric Charges Christians … As Jaja Marks 70th Birthday
The Lead Pastor at Jesus Appointed People’s Bible Church, Ozogbe, Ikwerrengwo-Etche, in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, Pastor Promise Nwaelele, has urged Christians to make God the anchor of their lives in whatever position they find themselves, in order to attain the destinies set for them by God.
Pastor Nwaelele, who gave the charge recently in a sermon he preached at the 70th birthday anniversary thanksgiving service of Sir Donald Michael Jaja, a veteran journalist in Rivers State, said this is because any genuine child of God is a permanent target for destabilization and destruction by the devil.
Taking his text from the Bible book of Mark 4:16-17, the preacher stated that fulfilment in life for a child of God required faith, obedience to God’s word, humility and grace to withstand trials and temptations.
According to him, temptations and afflictions are bound to happen in the lives of those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
“No wonder the Bible said that those that endure till the end shall be saved”, he said.
The Clergyman said God prospers believers who are humble, not proud and conceited, and leads them to destiny fulfilment.
“David said in Psalm 51:17, that the sacrifices acceptable to God are a broken spirit, not an impatient or proud spirit”, the preacher said.
He called on Christians not to allow persecutions and afflictions to sway them from the love and blessings of Jesus Christ.
On his part, Jaja, a seasoned Journalist who retired as an Acting Editor of the Rivers State Government-owned The Tide Newspaper, gave thanks to God for honouring him by giving him the grace of attaining 70 years.
“I cannot capture what the good Lord has done for me in my entire life in this fleeting moment of thanksgiving. But, I know that without Him, I wouldn’t have been who I am today, in all spheres. Therefore, my joy knows no bounds as I give thanks to my creator today, alongside my family. Praise be His holy name”, Jaja said.
