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GES: FG Targets 20m Farmers

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The Federal Government, says it intends to register 20 million farmers for the Growth Enhancement Support (GES) scheme in the country.

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, who said this during the official flag-off of the initiative at Saakpenwa, headquarters of Tai Local Government Area, Rivers State, however, noted that only 4.5million farmers have so far been registered on the national farmers’ database.

Represented at the event by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Ezekiel Onyemoni, he stated that the GES scheme was an initiative aimed at addressing the challenges of past system of inputs distribution and subsidy administration in the agriculture sector, which according to him, had been largely inefficient.

“It is designed to facilitate timely and easy access to seedlings and fertilisers at affordable prices to farmers,” he said, adding that the new arrangement entailed a shift from direct procurement and distribution of seedlings by government, thereby allowing the private sector’s participation in the process.

He commended the Rivers State Government for its “keen interest and support for the development of agriculture in Nigeria and the contribution of the state to the development of the oil palm industry,” and called on farmers in the state to embrace the initiative, which he said was expected to register five million farmers annually.

Speaking, Rivers State Governor, Rt Hon Chibuike Amaechi, said his administration was focused on job creation for the teeming youths, adding that the GES initiative was in line with the state government’s commitment to fight crime.

The governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Engr Tele Ikuru, urged farmers in the state to follow the instructions on the use of seedlings and fertilisers to achieve best results, and lauded the Federal Government for initiating the scheme.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Emmanuel Chinda, had said that the state had been sub-divided into six centres for the distribution of seeds and fertilisers, while 32,879 farmers have been registered for the scheme in the state this year.

Chinda said that the Saakpenwa centre will cover Tai, Eleme, Ogu/Bolo, Okrika, Gokana and Oyigbo local government areas while the Bori centre will cater for farmers from Khana, Andoni and Opobo/Nkoro local government areas.

According to him, farmers from Abua/Odual will take their fertilisers and seeds from Abua Central while those in Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local government areas are to take their from Ahoada.

He added that the Degema centre will cover Asari Toru and Akuku Toru local government areas while farmers from Obio/Akpor, Etche, Omuma, Ikwerre, Port Harcourt, Emohua and Bonny local government areas have their centre at Rumuodumaya, headquarters of Obio/Akpor LGA.

The commissioner said that under the scheme, each registered farmer is entitled to two bags of fertiliser, one bag of NPK and a bag of Urea as well as 40kg of maize seeds and 50kg of rice seeds.

According to him, both the federal and state governments will pay 50 per cent of the total cost while each registered farmer is to pay the balance of 50 per cent cost of the fertilisers.

Some farmers who spoke to The Tide in an interview said that the gesture would help to boost food production in the country.

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Forum Expresses Confidence In APC Candidates’ Performance In Rivers

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The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
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

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Okafor, Eminent Nigerians Celebrate Osagwe-Ogo At 70

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Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
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.

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Fubara Commended For Sustaining Peace In Rivers As Sirawoo Receives Democracy Day Recognition

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Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
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

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