Featured
RSG, RSUST’s Synergy’ll Boost Agric – Don
A Professor of Plant Pathology and Protection, Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), Edith Chisa Chuku, has said that a strategic synergy between the Rivers State Government and the institution will boost agricultural research, development and production in the state.
She said that this would be accelerated if the government intervenes, and re-acquires the Rivers Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (RIART) for the purpose of conducting agricultural research, crop development and production to enhance food sufficiency and security for the citizenry.
The professor, who is also director, Students Industrial Works Experience Scheme (SIWES), disclosed this in her office at the university main campus in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, during an exclusive interview with The Tide, recently.
Chuku said that government action in that regard has become imperative in view of the urgent necessity to diversify the state’s economy and increase employment opportunities for the youth, especially through agriculture.
She emphasised that the school has all it takes in terms of crop and animal scientists, whose technical knowledge will help the state fast-track the momentum in achieving aggressive agriculture, noting that agriculture should not be left in the hands of individuals alone as mechanized farming was required now more ever before to revive the economy.
The professor lamented that since RIART was taken over by the previous administration and handed over to Rivers State Sustainable Development (RSSDA), the vast land for agricultural research, development and production, has been lying fallow, thereby undermining the state’s quest to grow its economy.
Chuku stated that as a university, it was ready and prepared to go into aggressive agricultural production on the vast RIART land, if government returns the institute to the university, promising that RIART would be transformed to a centre of excellence for local food production as well as for export.
She recalled that the original plan of the Rivers State Government on the RIART, was to utilize the vast land for agricultural training, demonstration and farming, appealing that RIART should be given back to the Faculty of Pathology for practical agricultural research, production and demonstration.
Chuku said: “We have relied so much on oil. If we utilize that place, we can boast of export; and crops would be processed and sold outside the state. This will create youth employment, increase food production and help the state government increase its revenue base for investment into other sectors.
“Agriculture has suffered so much over the years in this state due to lack of support, and now that the state is facing a lull in the economy, I think there is no harm in venturing into agriculture as a priority in the soonest possible time.”
“Before now, funding was a major problem of the university but before the last accreditation, the Governor Nyesom Wike-led administration did a lot support research, training and funding to encourage education and agriculture.
“Our laboratories are equipped and most of the departments that were denied accreditation before now have been accredited. Also, in the area of partnerships that would move the state forward, Chief Nyesom Wike is doing very well,” Chuku noted.
She hinted that the university’s collaboration with International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) formerly at Onne, but now relocated to Ibadan, would help push forward new ways of increasing food production in the state.
She appealed to the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, to ensure that RIART is returned to RSUST to enable professionals in the university maximize the institute to boost agricultural productivity.
Susan Serekara-Nwikhana
The Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has assured the commitment of Rivers State government to workers’s welfare and industrial harmony in Rivers State.
The Sole Administrator gave the assurance after meeting with leadership of organized labour unions at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
Ibas reaffirmed government’s policy of prompt payment of salaries and pensions to workers and retirees, stating that all local government employees are not receiving the approved minimum wage.
He disclosed that approval has been given for payment of newly employed staff at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital and the Judiciary, while medical workers in Local Government Areas will now receive correct wages.
Ibas explained that, Government is reviewing implementation challenges of the Contributory Pension Scheme ahead of the July 2025 deadline, adding that Intervention buses have been reintroduced to ease workers’ transportation ,with plans to expand the fleet.
He said specialized leadership training for top civil servants will commence within two weeks, while due consideration is being given to implementing the N32,000 consequential adjustment for pensioners and clearing outstanding gratuities.
Ibas commended Rivers State workers for their dedication to service and called for sustained partnership with labour unions to maintain industrial peace.
“This administration recognizes workers as critical partners in development. We remain committed to addressing your legitimate concerns within available resources,” he stated.
The State NLC Chairman, Comrade Alex Agwanwor, thanked the Administrator for the steps taken so far with regard to workers welfare while appreciating his disposition towards alleviating the transportation problem faced by workers.
He also expressed appreciation for the government’s openness to dialogue and pledged continued cooperation towards achieving mutual goals.
The Rivers State Government assured all workers of its unwavering commitment to their welfare and called for continued dedication to service delivery for the collective progress of our dear State.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Rivers Council, has called for policies that will improve the economic situation of the country in order to ensure enhanced living standard for workers.
The State Chairman, Mr Alex Agwanwor, made the remark on behalf of the unions affiliated to Labour Congress during the 2025 workers day celebration in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Agwanwor highlighted the demands of the Unions which included the immediate payment of pension arrears, implementation of the N32,000 minimum wage for pensioners, and payment of gratuities and death benefits without further delay.
“We are calling for the regulation and protection of e-hailing drivers, implementation of increments and promotions, and resolution of long-standing issues in the polytechnic sector,” he said.
Agwanwor on behalf of the unions appealed to President Bola Tinubu to reinstate the democratically elected Governor, Deputy Governor, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
He stressed the importance of democratic governance and good working relationship with elected representatives.
According to him, the unions expressed disappointment over the imposition of taxes, increase in electricity tariff, and high cost of goods and services, which have further worsened the plight of workers.
“We urge the federal government to take measures to alleviate the suffering of citizens,” he said.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima says President Bola Tinubu is committed to unlocking Nigeria’s full potential and position the country as a leading force on the African continent.
Shettima stated this when he hosted a delegation from the Hertie School of Governance, Berlin, led by its Senior Fellow, Dr Rolf Alter, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja last Wednesday.
He said Nigeria was actively seeking expertise from the global best institutions to enhance policy formulation and implementation, particularly in human capital development.
The Vice-President noted that President Tinubu was determined to elevate Nigeria to its rightful position as a leading force in Africa.
“The current crop of leadership in Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is ready and willing to unleash the full potential of the Nigerian nation on the African continent.
” We are laying the groundwork through strategic reforms, and at the heart of it, is human capital development.”
He described the Hertie School as a valuable partner in the journey.
According to him, Hertie School of Governance, Berlin, has track record and institutional knowledge to add value to our policy formulation and delivery, especially in this disruptive age.
Shettima reiterated the government’s priority on upskilling Nigerians, saying ” skills are very important, and with our Human Capital Development (HCD) 2.0 programme.
“We are in a position to unleash the full potential of the Nigerian people by enhancing their capital skills.”
The Vice-President acknowledged the vital support of international development partners in that effort.
” I want to thank the World Bank, the European Union, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and all our partners in that drive to add value to the Nigerian nation,” he maintained.
The Vice-President said human capital development was both an economic imperative and a social necessity.
Shettima assured the delegation of the government’s readiness to deepen cooperation.
” We need the skills and the capacity from your school. The world is now knowledge-driven.
“I wish to implore you to have a very warm and robust partnership with the government and people of Nigeria.”
Shettima further explained recent economic decisions of the government, including fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange reforms.
“The removal of fuel subsidy, the unification of the exchange rate regime and the revolution in the energy sector are all painful processes, but at the end of the day, the Nigerian people will laugh last.
“President Tinubu is a very modern leader who is willing to take far-reaching, courageous decisions to reposition the Nigerian economy,” he added.
Earlier, Alter, congratulated the Tinubu administration for the successful launch and implementation of the Human Capital Development (HCD) strategy.
The group leader described the development as ambitious and targeted towards the improvement of the lives of the citizens.
He expressed satisfaction with the outcome of his engagements since arriving in the country.
He applauded the zeal, commitment, energy and goodwill observed among stakeholders in the implementation of Nigeria’s HCD programme.
Alter said the Hertie School of Governance would work closely with authorities in Nigeria across different levels to deliver programmes specifically designed to address the unique needs of the country.
He, however, stressed the need for government officials at different levels to be agile and amenable to the dynamics of the evolving world, particularly as Nigeria attempted to successfully accelerate its human capital development aspirations.
-
Politics1 day ago
2027: Diri Threatens To Sack Appointees Who Jump INEC’s Whistle
-
Niger Delta22 hours agoRivers Begins, Supplemental Polio Vaccination, Morrow
-
Rivers1 day ago
Ibas Preaches Peace In Emohua
-
Nation1 day agoTinubu To Unveil Cotton Factory In Ogun – Abiodun
-
Business1 day ago
NEPC Distributes 4,633 Hybrid Seedlings Across Nigeria
-
News1 day ago
Tinubu Vows To Prioritise Workers’ Welfare
-
Politics1 day ago
Election Rigging: Nigerians React As Appeal Court Upholds Prof Ogban’s Conviction
-
Featured22 hours agoRSG Commits To Workers’ Welfare …. Calls For Sustained Govt, Labour Partnership