Business

Anchor Borrower Scheme: Steer Clear, Okorocha Tells Politicians

Published

9 years ago

February 17, 2017

Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State has warned political farmers to steer clear of the Anchor Borrower Programme of the state, to avoid being jailed for default.
Okorocha gave the warning in Owerri yesterday while launching the training and input distribution to rice farmers participating in the programme.
Represented by Mr Iyke Njoku, his Special Adviser on Economic Matters, Okorocha noted that the programme was designed to favour only genuine farmers.
“The Anchor Borrowers’ Programme has the potential to transform serious and sincere farmers to millionaires but can as well mess up any person with intention to defraud government.
“Participants should take advantage of this programme to change the economic frontier of the state by rescuing Imo people from unemployment, food scarcity and youth restiveness.’’
The governor said that he had engaged rice experts from Kebbi State to assist farmers in Imo, adding that every relevant support would be provided for the participants to succeed.
The Programme Manager, Imo State Agricultural Programme, Mr Anayochi Jonathan, said that the agency had registered more than 5,000 rice farmers and identified over 20,000 hectares for rice cultivation.
“Though Imo has more than 20, 000 hectares for rice cultivation, we will start with 2,800 and cultivate only 2,000 hectares for the dry season rice farming this year.’’
Jonathan, who reiterated that the programme was for only genuine farmers, added that enough input and money have been set aside for the programme.
The Executive Assistant to Okorocha on Human Capital Development and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Edwin Uche said that training and input distribution to registered farmers would take place between February 16 and February 20.
Uche, who doubles as the state Coordinator, Anchor Borrowers’ Programme explained that participants would be trained on key areas to enable them to have full grip of the entire circle of rice production.
He said though other crops would be introduced later, rice farming alone would provide more than 10, 000 direct jobs.
Alhaji Abudullahi Argungu, the expert from Kebbi State said that Imo had the potential to surpass his state in rice production, if the farmers showed serious commitment.
“Kebbi is an agrarian state; but Imo State is seating on a lot of agricultural opportunities and has the potential to surpass Kebbi in rice production, if the people are serious.’’
He encouraged the people to embrace rice farming in order to stop importation of the commodity.
In a remark, Mr Kenneth Ejie, the state Manager, Bank of Agriculture, told the participants that the money they would receive in the programme was loan which attracts nine per cent interest.
“If you are not a farmer, better withdraw at this stage because government will not take it lightly with any defaulter,’’ he warned.
Others who spoke included Mr Cajetan Ajaelu from the Central Bank of Nigeria and Louis Onyeishi of ‘Oku na Erere’ Farm, Enugu.
They assured intended rice farmers in Imo of ready market for whatever they produced.
The Tide source reports that the governor’s representative presented 25 kilogram bag of high yielding rice and a water pumping machine to each of the three farmers from Owerri, Orlu and Okigwe.

Business

Fidelity Bank To Empower Women With Sustainable Entrepreneurship Skills, HAP2.0

Published

22 hours ago

February 27, 2026

The Tide

Leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, has announced the launch of the second edition of its flagship women-empowerment initiative, the HerFidelity Apprenticeship Programme 2.0 (HAP 2.0).

According to the report, the programme is designed to equip women with practical, income?generating skills and structured pathways to entrepreneurship.

Accordingly, the HAP 2.0 will build on the success of its inaugural edition held in 2023.

During media chat with journalists to herald the launch of HAP 2.0, the Divisional Head, Product Development, Fidelity Bank Plc, Osita Ede, explained that the initiative has been enhanced to deliver greater impact.

He said HerFidelity Apprenticeship Programme 2.0 reflects their commitment to continuous improvement, having evaluated feedback from the first edition, they have returned with stronger partnerships and deeper mentorship programmes to ensure that women acquire not just skills, but sustainable economic opportunities.

Mr Ede, who said the programme is guided with real?world learning, also said that participants will undergo intensive apprenticeship training under reputable institutions and industry experts across selected fields such as hair styling, shoe making, auto mechatronics, and interior decoration.

Additionally, he said HerFidelity Apprenticeship Programme 2.0 goes beyond skills acquisition by offering participants a wide range of business advisory services.

These include business and financial literacy training, mentorship support throughout the apprenticeship journey, access to Fidelity Bank’s women?focused and SME financial solutions, as well as guidance on business formalisation and growth strategies.

Emphasizing the bank’s vision further, Ede said: “By integrating structured mentorship with entrepreneurial development, Fidelity Bank is positioning women not just as trainees, but as future employers, innovators, and economic contributors within their communities.

This aligns with our mandate to help individuals grow, businesses thrive, and economies prosper”.

It is noteworthy that interested participants are encouraged to indicate their interest by visiting https://bit.ly/Apprenticeshipbyherfidelity.

It is important to note that Fidelity Bank Plc is ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, with a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 10 million customers through digital banking channels, with 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.

It is reported that the Bank is a recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards, the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine.

By: Nkpemenyie mcdominic, Lagos

Business

President Tinubu Approves Extension Ban On Raw Shea Nut Export

Published

22 hours ago

February 27, 2026

The Tide

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the extension of the ban on the export of raw shea nuts for a further one year, from February 26, 2026, to February 25, 2027.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on (Information and Strategy) who disclosed this on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 stressed the Federal Government remains committed to policies that promote inclusive growth, local manufacturing, and position Nigeria as a competitive participant in global agricultural value chains.

The decision underscores the administration’s commitment to advancing industrial development, strengthening domestic value addition, and supporting the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The ban aims to deepen processing capacity within Nigeria, enhance livelihoods in shea-producing communities, and promote the growth of Nigerian exports anchored on value-added products.

To further these objectives, President Tinubu has authorised the two Ministers of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, and the Presidential Food Security Coordination Unit (PFSCU), to coordinate the implementation of a unified, evidence-based national framework that aligns industrialisation, trade, and investment priorities across the shea nut value chain.

He also approved the adoption of an export framework established by the Nigerian Commodity Exchange (NCX) and the withdrawal of all waivers allowing the direct export of raw shea nuts.

The President directed that any excess supply of raw shea nuts should be exported exclusively through the NCX framework, in accordance with the approved guidelines.

By: Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos

Business

Crisis Response: EU-project Delivers New Vet. Clinic To Katsina Govt.

Published

23 hours ago

February 27, 2026

The Tide

A Non – Governmental Organisation (NGO), Mercy Corps, has handed over a newly constructed Veterinary Clinic and a rehabilitated structure in Danmusa Local Government Area (LGA), to the Katsina State Government.

The project, which included a 20,000-litre capacity upgraded solar-powered borehole, was executed under the European Union-funded Conflict Prevention, Crisis Response and Resilience (CPCRR) project.

The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), and the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD).

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Wednesday, the Commissioner for Livestock and Animal Husbandry in Kastina State, Prof Ahmed Bakori, commended Mercy Corps and its partners on such commitment to support peace and development in the state.

While praising the state government for restoring peace and stability, the said project would improve livestock services and the welfare of farmers who depend on animal health services for livelihood.

Bakori buttressed that improved security in the state had enabled development partners to implement meaningful interventions in communities affected earlier.

He said, “Recently, Gov. Dikko Radda was in South Africa to explore strategies for boosting livestock production and strengthening the livestock value chain in line with the government’s economic development agenda.”

In his remarks, Mercy Corps Senior Programme Manager, Mr Philip Ikita, expressed satisfaction on the timely and successful implementation of the project in Danmusa.

He stated that although Mercy Corps began its operations in the state in 2023, security challenges, had initially prevented the organisation from accessing some areas, including Danmusa.

Ikita said that the project would improve access to essential services, strengthen livelihoods and contribute to sustaining peace in the community.

“The project involves the upgrade of a veterinary clinic from a two room structure into a fully functional six office facility, embarked on to strengthen livestock healthcare services in the area.

“The programme builds on the success of the Conflict Mitigation and Community Reconciliation (CMCR) project and seeks to promote long-term peace and stability in Northwest Nigeria.

“It works across 48 communities in Zamfara and Katsina States, addressing the root causes of conflict, enhancing community resilience, and strengthening socio-economic recovery,” he said.

Also, the District Head of Danmusa, Ahmadu Abubakar, expressed appreciation to Mercy Corps and its partners for the intervention, describing the projects as timely and beneficial.

Earlier, the Chairman of Danmusa LGA, Ibrahim Na-Mama, represented by his Deputy, Musa Muhammad, expressed appreciation for the projects, assuring that the council would support efforts to safeguard them.