Connect with us

Niger Delta

Don Urges Govt To Establish Agro-Industries To Create Jobs

Published

11 years ago

on

A don, Prof. Patrick
Erhabor, has urged government at all levels to establish agro-industries to create job opportunities for the citizenry.
Erhabor, who is a lecturer at the Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension Services, University of Benin, made the call in an interview with newsmen  in Benin.
The don said that the processing of some agricultural products like cassava, cocoa among others would help the nation’s quest for food sufficiency.
Erhabor, also a former Secretary to Edo Government, said that importation of agricultural products which could ordinarily be produced in the country was encouraging capital flight.
He said that the country had many policies on agriculture, but effective implementation was always the problem.
“In Nigeria today, you will find that it is easier for people to import rice than for them to be encouraged to produce and eat their own rice.
“Before any country can survive, take India, China, today, they are more than self-sufficient in food, because they were at a certain period in their history consuming only what they produce.
“But here, you tell farmers to grow cassava; 50 per cent of the cassava will be for consumption, then the policy is not sustained and implementation is zero.
“The farmers produce cassava and process into cassava flour, but no bakery takes them because they are still importing their flour; by so doing, they are encouraging capital flight.
“Why should Nigeria be sending cocoa outside the country? Why will Nigeria not add value to its cocoa?
“So that the industry  will be established to create job opportunities for the people, “ he said.
The university teacher said that the availability of more industries would create processed agricultural products which would find more markets within the West Africa sub-region.
“So many things you can do with cassava, the demand for cassava by industries for industrial starch is 230, 000 tonnes but presently, the production in Nigeria is 23, 000 tonnes.
The lecturer stressed the need for the country to harness its resources and produce its own industrial demands in order to create jobs and other opportunities.

Group of women of TAN of PDP at the presidential rally at the Amiesimaka Stadium Port Harcourt recently. Photo: Chris Monyanaga

Group of women of TAN of PDP at the presidential rally at the Amiesimaka Stadium Port Harcourt recently. Photo: Chris Monyanaga

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Niger Delta

Otu Recommits To Support For Navy 

Published

5 days ago

on

March 23, 2026

By

Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has said his administration will continue to collaborate with the navy for effective protection of the waterways.
Otu stated this when the Commandant, Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) Victory, Commodore Shuaib Ahmed, visited him in Calabar.
The Governor described the visit as critical to consolidating the partnership between Cross River State and the navy.
“Peace and stability remain non-negotiable prerequisites for the progress of the state.
“So, this visit reaffirms our shared resolve to keep the state safe and secured through sustained collaboration,” he said.
Otu stated that security remained the foundation for meaningful development in every society.
“No society prospers in the midst of insecurity. As a state, our development vision depends on peace, order and collective vigilance,” he said.
The Governor commended the Navy for the level of professionalism being exuded by its personnel in the discharge of their duties.
He said the Navy’s efforts had hugely boosted investor confidence and strengthened the state’s economic environment.
The Governor assured the Navy of the state government’s continued support towards enhanced operation.
Earlier, Ahmed explained that the visit followed the military tradition of familiarizing with authorities upon assumption of duties.
He stated that it was crucial to align naval operations with the strategic priorities of the state government.
The naval chief thanked the state government for its support to the force, saying, “your support has helped us immensely in achieving targets”
The Commandant further said there was need to strengthen infrastructure and communication systems in order to address evolving security challenges.
“Operationalising key naval facilities will improve our capacity to tackle maritime crimes.
“The Navy is committed to supporting the state in ensuring the safety and security of the waterways.
“We shall continue to promote peace while enabling the residents to carry out their lawful activities without fear,” he said.
Continue Reading

Niger Delta

Community Praises Diri, Ogbuku On Projects Execution … Prioritises Security, Dev 

Published

5 days ago

on

March 23, 2026

By

The Agbura Community of Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, has again lauded the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, and the Managing-Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, over infrastructure projects executed in the community.
Speaking with newsmen midweek in Yenagoa, its Chairman, Community Development Committee, Mr. Tribunal Egba, hailed the Governor for the successful completion of the abandoned Oxbow lake-Agbura Road project and others within the Community.
He also eulogized the NDDC MD for the construction of new lodge in the community for serving Corps members as well as plans to execute other projects.
Mr. Egba added that the completion of the Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road has given the community facelift, while also pleading with the government and the interventionist agency to award shore protection contract in the community to save it from the perennial floodings experienced in the fast urbanizing town.
Similarly, the community’s leadership has given assurances that it will continue to give priority to development and security of lives and property.
The CDC helmsman promised to strengthen the existing community vigilante group, while also stressing that the age-long synergy between the community and security agencies would be improved upon to get rid of crime and criminalities in the area.
“As a community, we’re so thankful to Governor Diri for constructing the abandoned Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road project. We’re also glad with the level of infrastructural development ongoing in other parts of the state, courtesy of the Diri-led administration.
“We also like to laud the MD/CEO, NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku for the construction of a befitting Corpers lodge for Corps members serving in this community.
“Our priority as a community now is to protect these infrastructure projects. We’ll continue to work in synergy with all security agencies to make sure there’s peace and development”, the CDC leadership said.
By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
Continue Reading

Niger Delta

Delta Shocked Over Death Of Chief Protocol Officer

Published

5 days ago

on

March 23, 2026

By

Delta State Government has expressed deep sadness over the sudden death of Mr. Sunny Kotor, Senior Special Assistant on Protocol to the State Government.
Kotor, a renowned Master of Ceremony at state functions, reportedly slumped and passed away last Friday.
In a statement signed by the Delta State Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, in Warri on Saturday, his passing was described as “a profound loss; not only to his family, but to the Government and people of Delta State who benefited immensely from his professionalism, composure, and unmistakable presence at official engagements.
“He brought dignity, structure, and excellence to every function he handled, leaving behind a standard that will be difficult to forget,” the statement added.
The Commissioner noted that “every passing is indeed a sobering reminder of how fragile and fleeting life can be,” extending heartfelt condolences to Kotor’s family, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of working with him.
The statement prayed that God would grant them the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
Continue Reading

Trending