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Uduaghan Advises Youths On Agriculture
Gov. Emmanuel Uduaghan
of Delta State, has urged youths in the state to embrace agriculture instead of taking to criminal activities.
Uduaghan made the call last Friday while inaugurating the Federal Government Agricultural Growth Enhancement Scheme (GES) programme in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area of the state.
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Prof Amos Utuama, said the state government through its Ministry of Agriculture initiated the Youth Empowerment through Agriculture and the Farmers Support Programme.
He said the programme was aimed at empowering the youths and peasant farmers to encourage agricultural production.
“The success has been modest while the loopholes are being plugged so that we can attain our goals of food sufficiency and security. “I urge the youths to embrace agriculture as panacea to unemployment instead of involving themselves in kidnapping and other criminal activities,’’ he added.
Uduaghan said the state government would continue to support agriculture through the provision of facilities and materials to encourage the farmers to successfully improve their produce.
He, however, tasked the private sector to come in and assist the state government in the realisation of the objectives of increasing agricultural production.
“The Flag-off of the GES scheme could not have come at a better time than now when the Federal and the State governments are committed to making agriculture take its prominent position in the nation.
“I am informed that this scheme will enable farmers through text messages to get direct access to subsidised inputs from relevant agencies with a view to increasing food production in the state. The state government is committed to improving on its agricultural programmes and giving necessary assistance to farmers,”he emphasised.
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Akniwumi Adesina, represented by his Regional Director, South-South, Mr Martins Odeh, said the GES scheme’s target was to involve about 20 million farmers in three years.
He called on farmers who had not registered to key into the scheme to get the maximum benefits that the scheme provideds.
“The new arrangement entails a shift from direct procurement and distribution of seeds and fertiliser by the government and allowing the private sector to drive the process through their network.
“The policy is also aimed at creating a synergy with the private sector and building its capacity to deliver and partake in the agricultural development of the country.’’
Earlier, the state Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mr Misan Ukubeyinje, said that 39 redemption centres across 25 Local Government Areas have been designed for registered farmers to access the materials.
According to him, each registered farmer will receive two bags of fertiliser at N5,500 (half the market price) and a bag of maize or rice for free as provided by the scheme.
The General Manger, Delta Agricultural Development Agency (DADA), Mr Ruben Ishaka, said that about 69,000 farmers would benefit from the scheme this planting season.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
