Opinion
Understanding The Challenges Of Farming
In Nigeria, it is quite
traditional to have various regimes of government introduce one agricultural program or the other. Programs such as the Operation Feed the Nation introduced by General Olusegun Obasanjo’s (rtd) regime. The Green Revolution by Alhaji Shehu Shagari at the federal level, and the School-To-Land Program in Rivers State by Police Commissioner Fidelis Oyakhilome (as he was then called).
All these programs at different points of their existence, put smile on many faces of Nigerians as the labour market became depopulated by their introduction, and food placed on tables in many homes. It was all thanks to the various regimes that made possible such food- providing programs.
However, these laudable agricultural programs, against all expectations, fizzled out one after the other hence redirecting the path of the workers back to the streets. Too bad a story!
Nevertheless, in the face of obvious failure on the part of the government, who by all standards appears to have what it takes to take agriculture in Nigeria to the next level.
It is still common to see a retiree contemplate agriculture as a fallback after years of active service to both God and humanity. The reason is simple, agriculture plays a leading role among industries in the economic sector. Aside this fact, agriculture can be ventured into, in any magnitude that one’s finance can carry as it is so vast that an interested person can settle for any type so long as he has the know-how.
However, much as it is quite easy to think and undertake agricultural ventures of interest, one major challenge that had beaten all proffered solutions had been that of sustainability. Many agricultural projects in Nigeria, whether undertaken by the government or private individuals had always suffered abandonment along the line for reasons researchers are yet to unravel.
Suspicions are sometime hinged on finance, managerial lapses and fraud. While the aforementioned could be suspected for the failure of government agricultural projects. It is considered that no private individual venturing into any project of interest would contemplate fraudulent traits against himself, hence, experts posit that the problem of the individual farmer could either be blamed on poor financial status and or on managerial lapses.
The poultry business appears to be the worst hit in this regard, probably because the period between the cultivation and harvest seems short and so prospective investors, oblivious of the intricacies of the business, jump into it, without first counting the cost of commitment. The result too is that when the farm tools become so hot for the handler, who does not know what to do to cushion the effect of the hotness, he lets go the tools half way and the same old tune is sung again.
Although the picture of the poultry business is always painted as one that carries the potential of creating enormous wealth in a very short while, which ofcourse may not be in contention, it is important to let every potential investor know that while the poultry industry has all it takes to catapult one to an enviable financial height, it also carries the potential of crippling one’s financial stand if caution is not applied.
Sustainability of the poultry farm therefore, must form part of the farmer’s slogan, at least, for its place as the main supplier of animal protein for human consumption, which has made its role among agricultural industries very strategic in many parts of the world.
Like every other agricultural venture, the poultry farming is encumbered with its own challenge which knowledge, a prospective investor must acquaint himself with before making the business a life income earner of course a farmer who is fore-armed with the knowledge of anticipated challenges of his field of endeavour, is always ready to deal with them squarely when they become visible hence reducing the impact on the eventual products.
Finance, no doubt has limited many poultry farmers especially in Rivers State from making their marks in the industry, thus the translation is that there is no serious farmer in the state and that explains while residents of the state depend largely on product s from outside the state hence whenever the inflow from outside the state becomes in short supply, the impact is seriously felt in every quarters. The demand for animal protein in the state has gone beyond what the capacity of the available farm can provide, therefore, expansion of the industry in the state is the only solution but how possible is the expansion in the face of the financial reality in our country?
Again, lack of the knowledge of what to do is the bane of every endeavour when the knowledge of what the birds need at a particular point in time is lacking. What then is the guarantee that they are being given the required nutrients, medication and general attention?
Every year ending the farmer in Rivers State complains of serious drop in production which of course is not due to sales of productive layer birds, No! But due largely to heat which has been diagnosed by experts to constitute an acute or chronic stress in poultry production. This condition is not without an antidote. Unfortunately, “my people perish for lack of knowledge”.
I think the farmer in Rivers State can actually make a headway if given the needed support by the government through the provision of financial assistance and technical advice.
Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi
The political atmosphere in Rivers State has been anything but calm in 2025. Yet, a rare moment of unity was witnessed on Saturday, June 28, when Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, appeared side by side at the funeral of Elder Temple Omezurike Onuoha, Wike’s late uncle. What could have passed for a routine condolence visit evolved into a significant political statement—a symbolic show of reconciliation in a state bruised by deep political strife.
The funeral, attended by dignitaries from across the nation, was more than a moment of shared grief. It became the public reflection of a private peace accord reached earlier at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. There, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu brought together Governor Fubara, Minister Wike, the suspended Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, and other lawmakers to chart a new path forward.
For Rivers people, that truce is a beacon of hope. But they are not content with photo opportunities and promises. What they demand now is the immediate lifting of the state of emergency declared in March 2025, and the unconditional reinstatement of Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Dr. Ngozi Odu, and all suspended lawmakers. They insist on the restoration of their democratic mandate.
President Tinubu’s decision to suspend the entire structure of Rivers State’s elected leadership and appoint a sole administrator was a drastic response to a deepening political crisis. While it may have prevented a complete breakdown in governance, it also robbed the people of their voice. That silence must now end.
The administrator, retired naval chief Ibok-Ette Ibas, has managed a caretaker role. But Rivers State cannot thrive under unelected stewardship. Democracy must return—not partially, not symbolically, but fully. President Tinubu has to ensure that the people’s will, expressed through the ballot, is restored in word and deed.
Governor Fubara, who will complete his six-month suspension by September, was elected to serve the people of Rivers, not to be sidelined by political intrigues. His return should not be ceremonial. It should come with the full powers and authority vested in him by the constitution and the mandate of Rivers citizens.
The people’s frustration is understandable. At the heart of the political crisis was a power tussle between loyalists of Fubara and those of Wike. Institutions, particularly the State House of Assembly, became battlegrounds. Attempts were made to impeach Fubara. The situation deteriorated into a full-blown crisis, and governance was nearly brought to its knees.
But the tide must now turn. With the Senate’s approval of a record ?1.485 trillion budget for Rivers State for 2025, a new opportunity has emerged. This budget is not just a fiscal document—it is a blueprint for transformation, allocating ?1.077 trillion for capital projects alone. Yet, without the governor’s reinstatement, its execution remains in doubt.
It is Governor Fubara, and only him, who possesses the people’s mandate to execute this ambitious budget. It is time for him to return to duty with vigor, responsibility, and a renewed sense of urgency. The people expect delivery—on roads, hospitals, schools, and job creation.
Rivers civil servants, recovering from neglect and under appreciation, should also continue to be a top priority. Fubara should continue to ensure timely payment of salaries, address pension issues, and create a more effective, motivated public workforce. This is how governance becomes real in people’s lives.
The “Rivers First” mantra with which Fubara campaigned is now being tested. That slogan should become policy. It must inform every appointment, every contract, every budget decision, and every reform. It must reflect the needs and aspirations of the ordinary Rivers person—not political patrons or vested interests.
Beyond infrastructure and administration, political healing is essential. Governor Fubara and Minister Wike must go beyond temporary peace. They should actively unite their camps and followers to form one strong political family. The future of Rivers cannot be built on division.
Political appointments, both at the Federal and State levels, must reflect a spirit of fairness, tolerance, and inclusivity. The days of political vendettas and exclusive lists must end. Every ethnic group, every gender, and every generation must feel included in the new Rivers project.
Rivers is too diverse to be governed by one faction. Lasting peace can only be built on concessions, maturity, and equity. The people are watching to see if the peace deal will lead to deeper understanding or simply paper over cracks in an already fragile political arrangement.
Wike, now a national figure as Minister of the FCT, has a responsibility to rise above the local fray and support the development of Rivers State. His influence should bring federal attention and investment to the state, not political interference or division.
Likewise, Fubara should lead with restraint, humility, and a focus on service delivery. His return should not be marked by revenge or political purges but by inclusive leadership that welcomes even former adversaries into the process of rebuilding the state.
“The people are no longer interested in power struggles. They want light in their streets, drugs in their hospitals, teachers in their classrooms, and jobs for their children. The politics of ego and entitlement have to give way to governance with purpose.
The appearance of both leaders at the funeral was a glimpse of what unity could look like. That moment should now evolve into a movement-one that prioritizes Rivers State over every personal ambition. Let it be the beginning of true reconciliation and progress.
As September draws near, the Federal government should act decisively to end the state of emergency and reinstate all suspended officials. Rivers State must return to constitutional order and normal democratic processes. This is the minimum requirement of good governance.
The crisis in Rivers has dragged on for too long. The truce is a step forward, but much more is needed. Reinstating Governor Fubara, implementing the ?1.485 trillion budget, and uniting political factions are now the urgent tasks ahead. Rivers people have suffered enough. It is time to restore leadership, rebuild trust, and finally put Rivers first.
By: Amieyeofori Ibim
Amieyeofori Ibim is former Editor of The Tide Newspapers, political analyst and public affairs commentator
Do the Fulani herdsmen have an expansionists agenda, like their progenitor, Uthman Dan Fodio? Why are they everywhere even the remotest part of other areas in Nigeria harassing, maiming, raping and killing the owners of the land?”
In a swift reaction, The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) decried and strongly condemned the invasion by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
In his denunciation, MOSOP President Fegalo Nsuke described the incident as very unfortunate and deeply troubling, warning against a recurrence of the violence experienced in Benue State. “The killing of yesterday is bad and very unfortunate. We are getting preliminary information about how the herders gained access to the farmland, and it appears some hoodlums may be collecting money and granting access illegally.”
He called on the Hausa community in Rivers State to intervene swiftly to prevent further attacks.
“We want the Hausa community in Rivers State to take urgent action to ensure these issues are resolved”.
But will such appeal and requests end the violent disposition of the Fulani herdsmen? It is not saying something new that the escalating threat and breach of peace across the country by the Fulani herdsmen or those suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, leaves much to be desired in a country that is bedevilled by multi-dimensional challenges and hydra-headed problems.
Some upland Local Government Areas of Rivers State, such as Etche, Omuma, Emohua, Ikwerre, Oyigbo, Abua, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, have severally recounted their ordeals, as herdsmen invaded farmlands, destroyed crops, raped female farmers and killed protestant residents.
Again the wanton destruction of lives and properties which no doubt has overwhelmed the Nigerian Police, makes the clamour for State Police, indispensable. The National Assembly should consider the amendment of the Constitution to allow States to have their Statutory policing agencies.
As insurgency has risen to an all time high in the country were killings has now grown to be a normal daily activity in some part of the nation it may not be safe to say that Nigeria still practices democracy.
Several massacres coming from the Boko Haram and the herdsmen amongst all other insurgencies which have led to the destruction of homes and killing, burning of communities especially in the northern part of the country. All these put together are result of the ethnic battles that are fought between the tribes of Nigeria and this can be witnessed in Benue State where herders and farmers have been in constant clashes for ages. They have experienced nothing but casualties and unrest.
In the month of June 13-14, the Yelwata attack at the Guma Local Government Area by suspected gunmen or herdsmen who stormed the houses of innocent IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons) claiming the lives of families, both adults and children estimated to be 200 victims. They were all burnt alive by these unknown gunmen.
This has been recorded as one of the deadliest insurgencies that had happened in recent years. Some security personnel that were trying to fight the unknown gunmen also lost their lives.
Prior to the Yelewata attack, two days before the happening, similar conflict took place in Makurdi on June 11, 2025. 25 people were killed in the State. Even in Plateau State and the Southern Kaduna an attack also took place in the month of June.
All other states that make up the Middle Belt have been experiencing the farmers/herders clash for years now and it has persisted up till recent times, claiming lives of families and children, homes and lands, escalating in 2025 with coordinated assaults.
Various authorities and other villagers who fled for safety also blamed the herdsmen in the State for the attack that happened in Yelwata community.
Ehebha God’stime is an Intern with The Tide.