Business
Miller Ties High Price Of Rice To Flood
The Chairman, Abakaliki Rice Mill Owners Industrial Association, Mr Joseph Ununu, on Saturday in Abakaliki, said the price of rice had risen in Ebonyi as a result of the flood.
Ununu told newsmen that price of rice would continue to rise as a result of the flood that ravaged most rice farms in the state.
He described the effect of the flood disaster as terrible; saying that majority of rice farmers in the state had their rice farms completely washed away by the flood.
He said that a bushel of rice which was sold for as low as N2, 000 in November 2011 and the highest quality sold for between N2, 500 and N3, 000. now sells between N3, 600 and N4, 000, depending on the variety.
Ununu said that the low quality ones were now selling for between N2, 800 and N3, 400.
He said that the best improved varieties known as “fero44’’, “fero52’’ and “fero57’’ long grain rice was now selling for N4, 500.
“We have never experienced this type of situation where the price of rice is so high in the month of November.
“November is usually a peak period in rice harvesting and sales but the reverse is the case in 2012 because of the flood.
“The rice mill complex this period is usually filled to capacity with buyers and sellers of the commodity but you can see there are only a handful of them,’’ he said.
The chairman maintained that there would be shortage in the supply of the commodity in view of the destruction caused by flooding which ultimately would lead to more increase in the price of rice.
Some farmers – Elias Nwogu, Samuel Ogodo, Albert Onwe, John Ugbala, Pius Nwauruku and Sunday Eje decried the rising cost of the commodity which they blamed on low production.
“It has never been this bad before that a bushel of rice will sell above N3, 000 in November; it is indeed affecting business,’’ Nwogu said.
“ Most traders could not afford to buy the product at prevailing market price,’’ Ogodo said.
Nkpemenyie Mcdominic
Reports say that the training is designed to equip youths with practical technical skills for employment in the oil and gas and construction sectors, with emphasis on employability, safety, competence and self reliance.
In attendance at the flag-off ceremony this week, at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Conference Hall, Effurun, were stakeholders, dignitaries, and political representatives, among others.
Dafinone, represented by his Chief of Staff, Adelabu Bodjor, said the initiative reflects a deliberate political investment in human capital development across Delta Central.
He explained that the training focuses on rigging and scaffolding, noting that “both are essential technical competencies required in industrial operations, construction projects, and oil and gas installations”.
Bodjor added, “The programme is intended to reduce dependency among youths by providing job-ready skills capable of supporting long-term economic opportunities and self-sufficiency. The initiative aligns with Senator Dafinone’s broader development agenda, which prioritises practical skill acquisition as a pathway to sustainable empowerment.”
Also addressing the participants, the NCDMB, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by Mr. Teddy Bai, commended Dafinone for sponsoring the programme, describing it as “a timely response to critical manpower gaps in the industry”.
Bai explained that rigging and scaffolding remain safety-sensitive skills required across fabrication yards, offshore platforms, and construction sites, stressing that the programme bridges the gap between certification and practical competence.
He also charged the training consultant, OROH Contractors Limited, to maintain strict standards of professionalism, safety, and discipline, while urging participants to remain committed, focused, and disciplined throughout the exercise.
The Senate Liaison Officer for Sapele Local Government Area, Chief Patrick Akamuvba, , described the programme as a major step in strengthening human capital development in Delta Central.
Akamuvba said scaffolding and rigging skills are in high demand across residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects, noting that the training offers real employment opportunities for beneficiaries
He urged participants to prioritise knowledge and certification over short-term material expectations, stressing that discipline and seriousness would determine their long-term success.
He also cautioned youths against social vices and distractions, advising them to remain focused to maximise the opportunities provided by the programme.
