Business

Katsina Revives Agric Marketing Board

Published

13 years ago

March 6, 2013

Governor Ibrahim Shema of Katsina State has announced the revival of the Agricultural Marketing Board as part of measures toward boosting agricultural productivity.

Shema made the announcement at Kafin-soli in Kankia Local Government Area at the closing ceremony of the 2013 Agricultural Show.

He said that the government had appointed Justice Mamman Nasir as Chairman of the board.

Shema said that the decision would help create market for farm produce by enhancing agricultural productivity, adding that many people would engage in commercial farming.

He added that another show on irrigation farming and animals rearing would also hold in Daura and Funtua Local Government Areas respectively every year.

The initiative, he said, would engender healthy competition and exchange of ideas among the farmers.

Shema also said that his administration would continue to accord agriculture top priority because of its importance in nation building.

According to him, the state has potential for both food and cash crops for domestic consumption and commercial purposes.

He said that the government would continue to design programmes that would make people engage in commercial agriculture, so as to create job opportunities and alleviate poverty among people of the state.

Alhaji Rayyanu Dandume from Dandume local government area emerged the overall winner at the show and was turbanned as ‘’Sarkin-noma’’, meaning the leader of farmers.

Business

Group Seeks Media Partnership To Enhance Business Growth

Published

5 minutes ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

The Chief Executive Officer of Kefa Communication, Mr. Obihele Victor Amos, has called for stronger collaboration between business organisations and media institutions to enhance business growth, economic expansion and wider public engagement across communities.

Amos made the call during a press briefing in Port Harcourt at the weekend.

He emphasised that strategic media partnership remains critical to improving visibility for businesses and attracting investment opportunities.

According to him, the media occupies a central position in shaping public perception and creating awareness that can support enterprise development and economic sustainability.

He also noted that, many emerging businesses continue to face growth limitations due to insufficient publicity and inadequate access to effective communication channels.

“Stronger engagement with the media would help bridge information gaps and create better connections between businesses and potential customers”, he said.

The CEO further stated that responsible and developmental journalism could play a significant role in promoting innovation and encouraging healthy competition within the business environment.

He stressed that beyond informing the public, the media serves as a platform for influencing policies and encouraging stakeholder participation in economic development.

Amos further disclosed the group is committed to building relationships with media organisations through continuous engagement and collaborative initiatives.

He said such partnerships would create opportunities for entrepreneurs and support efforts aimed at expanding market access.

The business leader also urged media practitioners to sustain professionalism and continue highlighting stories that promote enterprise and national development.

He expressed confidence that improved synergy between the media and the business community would contribute to employment generation and economic resilience.

Some participants at the briefing described the initiative as a welcome development capable of strengthening public understanding of business opportunities.

There were also calls for sustained cooperation among stakeholders to drive inclusive business growth and long-term development.

King Onunwor

Business

NLC Demands Payment of Retired Seafarers’ Benefits

Published

9 minutes ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the federal government to immediately pay all pension, entitlements,outstanding benefits due to retired Nigerian seafarers

The Deputy President NLC and former President General Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) Comrade Adewale Adeyanju made the call in a statement issued to Newsmen during the celebration of 2026 Day of the Seafarer.

He noted that continued delay are worsening the plight of elderly maritime workers.

Adeyanju expressed concern that despite a verification exercise conducted nearly four years ago to facilitate payment of retirees’ benefits, many of the affected seafarers are yet to receive their entitlements.

According to him, the prolonged delay has had devastating consequences, with several beneficiaries reportedly dying while waiting for payment, while others have become seriously ill, incapacitated, or pushed deeper into poverty.

He urged government to act swiftly by clearing the backlog of pensions and outstanding benefits, stressing that retired seafarers who dedicated their lives to serving the nation and supporting global trade deserve to be treated with dignity.

“These are men and women who spent years at sea contributing to the economy and facilitating international commerce.

“It is only fair that they receive what is due to them without further delay,” he said.

Adeyanju’s appeal came as the global maritime community marked this year’s Day of the Seafarer under the theme, “Carrying World Trade. Carrying The Risks.”

Reflecting on the theme, he noted that 2026 has been particularly challenging for seafarers due to geopolitical tensions and security concerns affecting major shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz.

He commended seafarers worldwide for their resilience and commitment in ensuring the uninterrupted movement of goods despite increasing dangers at sea.

“Seafarers remain the backbone of international trade. Their sacrifices and dedication continue to sustain economies around the world even in the face of significant risks,” he stated.

Beyond the issue of retirees’ welfare, Adeyanju also drew attention to broader concerns within the maritime sector.

He urged the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy to restore the engagement of onboard gangway men on berthed vessels, arguing that their presence plays a critical role in preventing cargo theft, pilferage and other forms of economic sabotage at the ports.

Describing gangway men as the “eagle eyes” of port operations as he maintained that their reinstatement would strengthen security around ships and improve operational efficiency.

Deputy President NLC also raised concerns over the state of maritime training in the country, particularly at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron.

He lamented that many graduates of the institution continue to face challenges obtaining the certifications and sea-time experience required to secure employment in the global shipping industry.

Adeyanju called on the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to intensify efforts towards ensuring that graduates of the academy are properly trained, fully certificated and globally competitive.

While acknowledging ongoing reforms in the maritime sector, he commended the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy for initiatives aimed at transforming Nigerian ports and improving industry performance.

“On this Day of the Seafarer, we celebrate the courage, sacrifice and commitment of seafarers who keep global trade moving as their welfare and future must remain a priority,” he said.

CHINEDU WOSU

Business

Accountable Leadership, Urgent Reforms Will Stimulate Economic Growth — Osi

Published

12 minutes ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

The Chief Executive Officer of Rigour Edge Limited, Mr Lord Zeismer Evans Osi, has called for greater accountability in leadership and urgent reforms in all sectors as measures to tackle insecurity and stimulate economic growth in Nigeria.

Osi made the call while speaking in an interview with newsmen in Port Harcourt at the recently.

He expressed concern over the worsening security situation in the country and warned that immediate and decisive actions were required to safeguard Nigeria’s future.

The Businessman noted that increasing insecurity had continued to heighten public anxiety over the safety of lives and property, adding that many communities that once enjoyed relative peace now live under fear and uncertainty.

According to him, the prevailing situation had continued to place enormous pressure on families, with parents becoming increasingly concerned about the security, welfare and future prospects of their children.

Osi called on the Federal Government to initiate policies that would encourage greater accountability among public office holders and political leaders across all levels of governance.

He noted that one of such measures should require political appointees, elected officials and other public office holders to educate their children within Nigeria in order to strengthen commitment towards improving local institutions and public services.

“Such a move would encourage leaders to become more directly invested in transforming critical sectors including security, education and healthcare”, he said.

Osi maintained that if the nation’s systems are considered suitable for ordinary citizens, they should equally meet the expectations of those entrusted with leadership responsibilities.

“If Nigeria is good enough for the children of the common man, then it should also be good enough for the children of those in positions of power,” he said.

While acknowledging the importance of faith and prayer in national life, Osi stressed that the country’s present realities demand practical solutions, strategic planning and responsive governance.

He warned that failure to urgently address insecurity, unemployment, poverty and governance concerns could deepen social and economic pressures and undermine national development.

Osi further urged political leaders not to underestimate the frustrations of citizens facing economic hardship and security challenges, adding that government must strengthen institutions responsible for protecting lives and property while creating opportunities capable of improving living standards.

He, however, expressed confidence in the resilience of Nigerians and called for meaningful reforms, responsible leadership and active citizen participation, noting that the collective commitment of government and the people remains essential to building a safer, more prosperous and accountable society.

King Onunwor