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RSG’ll Commission Cassava Processing Firm Soon, Nsirim Confirms
The Rivers State Government would soon commission the Rivers Cassava Processing Company as a model for agricultural development in the state.
The Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim, disclosed this when he appeared as a guest on a live radio current affairs programme in Port Harcourt, last Saturday.
Nsirim said that 3,000 uptakers, who would be involved in what he called ‘Cassava Revolution’, have already been engaged.
“The truth of the matter in governance is that you cannot take everything at once. But we are looking at this cassava processing company as a model for agricultural development in the state.
“You know when you want to start something, you can start with a little thing at first; progress, see the challenges, and then, you move on to the next one. But this one that is going to happen very soon, you can’t find it anywhere in this country.
“It is designed in a way that machines go to the farms, harvest the cassava, clean them up at the farm, and then, bring them to the factory. The farmers don’t need to go to harvest; they don’t need to enter their farm locations.
“It is novel, so gradually; we will be building on this because Governor Nyesom Wike desires to also make agriculture the centre-piece of this administration. So, we are kick-starting with this cassava processing company in the next few weeks”.
He assured that with the concentration of large cassava farmers in Ikwerre, Etche, Oyigbo, Ogoni, amongst other ethnic groups in Rivers State, the company would not lack adequate supply of raw materials for its effectiveness.
“And this is what we need to note: feasibility study was carried out before siting the project. So, what is happening here is that feasibility study has shown clearly there will be raw materials for this factory! You can’t just go and put an investment when you can’t get raw materials for it,” he said.
He enumerated the huge socio-economic benefits of the flyover bridges being constructed by the Governor Nyesom Wike-led administration, adding that aside from saving man-hours and easy access to economic activities, the government has, as part of the contract agreement with Julius Berger, a trainee engineer scheme for indigenes to be equipped with relevant skills in their areas of discipline.
He said it was important to showcase the good works of Governor Wike because “what you see happening in Rivers State is essentially an infrastructural revolution, and for people who thought that Governor Nyesom Wike will not even have money to pay salaries, when he took over office as governor, I think that it is important for them to see that visionary leadership and strategic thinking can turn a state like ours into a model. And so, the truth of the matter is, a lot of people want to come to Rivers State now because of the developmental strides that are going on,” he emphasised.
Nsirim reassured the people of the state of the commitment of Governor Wike to the prompt completion of the new flyover projects to be flagged-off at Waterlines and Ikoku axis of Port Harcourt, adding that all contracts awarded by the administration strictly complied with the Public Procurement Laws of the state.
“You see, why I am excited working with Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, is that, follow through, since he came onboard: show me one promise he made that he has not kept?
I was the Commissioner for Information and Communications when we flagged-off the three flyover projects, and it was to be delivered in 16 months. If you go to my Facebook wall, people were saying how can this thing be?
“It’s just like that man in the Bible you know, when the Prophet said, by this time tomorrow, food will be all over Samaria, and the man said it’s not possible even though God opens everywhere. That’s what people were saying. But today, all of them are completed within schedule.
“It is uncommon in politics; it is uncommon in the governance of Nigeria. What people do, we have seen previous administrations here leave behind white-elephant projects. Governor Nyesom Wike’s love for Rivers State is genuine, and he keeps repeating it by saying, ‘I will not leave any abandoned project for whoever that will succeed me’.”
He emphasised that it is the vision of Governor Wike to make Rivers State an investor’s destination of choice, “and of course, that’s why our campaign ‘Our State Our Responsibility’: We are trying to make everybody who lives and does business in Rivers State to understand that we have a shared prosperity to protect.
“Governor Wike is giving us the roadmap. He is giving us the roadmap on daily basis to achieve a Rivers State of our dream. A lot of people in other states desire to have Governor Wike govern their state on loan for just six months because what they see happening under this Covid-19 baffles them. What is the magic wand? Vision, prudent management of resources, and that determination to build a Rivers State that all of us will be proud of,” Nsirim said.
The 2025 annual general meeting (AGM) and conference of the Rivers/Bayelsa states chapter of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has come to a close with a strong call for both states to drive the blue economy.
The communique just issued after the AGM pointed to what it called emerging prospects in fish processing, seaweed cultivation, ship repair, and marine technology.
The communique which also mentioned human capital gaps that must be filled through technical and vocational training that are aligned with modern industrial needs, said the blue economy represents a viable pathway for Nigeria’s industrialisation.
It said MAN and Arican Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI) have the capacity to unlock Nigeria’s blue economy sustainably and inclusively, but said the region required dedicated infrastructure upgrades, including roads, waterways, and power.
The communique was signed by Vincent Okuku (Chairman of Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch); Michael Nosa Agana (Branch Vice Chairman/Chairman AGM planning Committee); and Chibuzor Eze (Executive Secretary, Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch).
The resolutions said the future of the Niger Delta economy lies in diversification rather than dependence on extractive industries. “Technology and innovation, value addition and local processing, strategic infrastructure, and a skilled workforce are essential pillars for the future of manufacturing in the region.
“Governments in the region must intensify support for manufacturing activities. Various forms of collaboration across sectors should be actively encouraged.”
It specifically advised Bayelsa and Rivers States to fully develop and harness the blue economy as strategic gateways for sustainable growth; and called for cross-border partnerships with neighbouring states to enhance trade, security, and environmental management.”
The Rivers/Bayelsa States branch of MAN held its first (41st) AGM outside Port Harcourt for the first time, hosted by Bayelsa State Government at the Chief D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, with the theme: ‘Trade, Technology, and the Future of Manufacturing in the Niger Delta.’
In his welcome address, the chairman of the branch, Okuku, commended the Bayelsa State Government under the leadership of Gov Douye Diri for its efforts in industrial development, investment promotion, and strong partnership with the private sector.
He also acknowledged the Rivers State Government for its commitment to rehabilitating industrial clusters, improving access roads, and delivering key infrastructure.
He, however, expressed concern over persistent challenges such as high energy costs, unreliable electricity supply, weak transport systems, rising logistics expenses, multiple taxes and levies, inconsistent regulatory frameworks, and pressure from host communities, which continue to hinder manufacturing growth in both states.
The President of MAN, Francis Meshioye, noted that the Niger Delta, with its abundant resources and strategic location, holds vast potential for industrial expansion. He called for policy frameworks that promote local manufacturing, enhance trade, and attract investments to the region.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, represented by Wasa Festus, Director of Community Development and Education. Another goodwill message was also presented by the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Ebieri Jones.
In his remarks, Gov Diri praised MAN for its contributions to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, noting its resilience, innovation, and strategic role in national development. He stated that the conference theme aligns with his administration’s mantra of “Assured Prosperity.”
Gov Diri offered 24-hour service to manufacturers wishing to relocate to the state, and highlighted the State’s ongoing transformation through deliberate investment in infrastructure, security, and human capital aimed at positioning Bayelsa State as a hub for industrial growth, particularly in the blue economy, agriculture, and manufacturing.
He further noted that hosting the 41st AGM fulfilled a long-desired aspiration of the State following the successful 2024 MAN event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He officially declared the exhibition open.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has alerted the public to a fraudulent message circulating online, claiming that the NELFUND Student Loan Registration Portal is open.
The message directs applicants to a third-party link (http://gvly.xyz/Nelfund-Student-Loan, which NELFUND confirms is unauthorised and fraudulent.
In a post obtained from its X handle, yesterday, NELFUND urged students and the general public not to click on the link or provide any personal information, emphasising that the official loan registration portal is only accessible through the Fund’s verified channels.
The agency reminded applicants to exercise caution online and to report any suspicious links or communications claiming to be from NELFUND.
“Applicants are encouraged to always verify official announcements via NELFUND’s official website and social media channels,” NELFUND said.
This advisory comes as part of NELFUND’s ongoing efforts to safeguard students and ensure the integrity of the student loan application process.
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