Nation
Expert Wants Greater Investment In Food Security
An agricultural extension expert, Dr Bala Shehu, has called on tiers of government to prioritise greater investment in transportation and storage facilities to boost food security.
Shehu told The Tide source that the availability of these facilitates would attract private investment, improve access to purchased inputs, credits and enhance marketing efficiency in the sector.
According to him, key constraints impeding sustainable and increased agricultural productivity in Nigeria are low access to financial facilities, inadequate extension and advisory services.
Shehu, who is the Zonal Officer, National Agricultural Extension and Research Liason Services, North Central Zone, also listed challenges of gender inequality, poor road infrastructure and storage constraints.
He noted that there was a well-established relationship between the availability of infrastructure and agricultural productivity in Nigeria.
He said: “This is being hindered by the non-availability of infrastructures such as road networks, post-harvest storage and irrigation technology.
“Other types of infrastructure such as telecommunications and electricity supply also play a major role, but the impact is more evenly dispersed across all sectors of an economy.
“Limited or poor-quality roads and rail transportation inhibit timely access to inputs, increase costs of inputs and decrease access to output markets.”
On limited access to financial facilities, Shehu said agriculture is a major contributor to Nigeria’s GDP and small-scale farmers play a dominant role in this contribution.
He, however. said agricultural productivity and growth were hindered by limited access to credit facilities.
He said modernising agriculture required a large infusion of credit to finance the use of purchased inputs such as fertilizers, improved seeds, insecticides and additional labour.
Shehu noted that agricultural extension and advisory service had been at the forefront in the delivery of adequate information and technologies to farmers for increased productivity.
He said agricultural extension and advisory service were saddled with the responsibility of disseminating innovation to transform agricultural production for food security and economic development of agrarian communities.
“Agricultural extension and advisory services occupy a strategic position in the agricultural production cycle, as it connects the farmers and research scientists and between farmers and policymakers”.
On challenges of gender inequality, he noted that women constituted a huge portion of the agricultural sector, yet, their productive capacity remains constrained and considerably lower than their male counterparts.
The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project(HYPREP) has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to delivering efficient and accessible public health services in Ogoni communities as the world marks the 2026 World Health Day.
In a statement signed by the Project Coordinator, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey on Tuesday, April 7, to commemorate the day, HYPREP said its efforts align with its core mandate and recommendations of the United Nations Environment Programme, emphasising that quality healthcare should be accessible to all without discrimination.
The Project noted that this year’s theme, “Together for Health: Stand with Science,” highlights the need for collective action in addressing global health challenges and improving public health outcomes. It stressed that no individual should be left behind in the pursuit of affordable and accessible healthcare services.
Zabbey further reiterated HYPREP’s commitment to implementing UNEP’s recommendation for a comprehensive medical study to monitor the health of Ogoni residents over time. As part of this initiative, he said the Project has engaged the International Agency for Research on Cancer under the World Health Organisation to conduct a globally recognised Human Biomonitoring Study in the region.
In addition to ongoing research, HYPREP highlighted its interventions aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery in Ogoni. These include the provision of modern medical equipment to selected hospitals, installation of solar-powered electricity systems, and donation of ambulances to enhance emergency response services.
HYPREP also pointed to the construction of key health facilities, including a 100-bed Ogoni Specialist Hospital and a 43-bed Cottage Hospital, as part of its broader strategy to improve healthcare infrastructure. According to the Project Coordinator, these projects reflect the adoption of a “One Health” approach that integrates human, environmental, and animal health considerations.
He, therefore, called on residents to take advantage of available healthcare services and adopt healthy lifestyles, while also stressing the importance of collaboration among health institutions to address prevailing health concerns.
He further underscored the need to rebuild public trust in scientific evidence, combat misinformation, and promote policies driven by data and research.
Zabbey commended traditional rulers, community leaders, and residents of Ogoni for their cooperation and active participation in HYPREP’s health initiatives, describing their support as vital to the success of ongoing projects.
The Project assured that it would continue to strengthen health systems, build local capacity, and provide data-driven solutions to improve long-term public health outcomes in the region.
An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Centre is set to be established in Omoku, Ogba/Egbema /Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The initiative is being championed by the Omoku People’s Forum, a global association of Omoku elites, under the leadership of its President-General, Dr. George Ada Ubah.
As part of efforts to ensure the successful execution of the project, a prominent son of Omoku, Chief (Barr.) Dennis Masi, has been appointed by the Forum as the Chairman of the ICT Centre Project Committee, entrusted with the responsibility of coordinating and driving the initiative to fruition. Upon completion, the ICT Centre is expected to serve as a major hub for the training and empowerment of youths in digital and technological skills, equipping them to actively participate in the increasingly technology-driven global environment.
The project is also widely regarded as a significant step towards positioning Omoku as an emerging ICT hub within Rivers State, fostering innovation, digital literacy, and economic development in the region.
Concerned Rivers Chiefs For Peace And Development has said it formation was not politically motivated or has any links to political parties or candidates.
The group which said this at a media briefing at Abuloma in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area said it’s formation has nothing to do with politics.
According to the text for the briefing jointly signed by Chief Boma Kele Oyika it’s chairman and Chief Inemo T Ikama Deputy Secretary General said the organization is expected to focus on conflict Resolution, community engagement, collaboration with government and private sector actors
‘it mandate also includes promoting peace building initiative, supporting local economic empowerment programms and strengthening traditional institutions in our state and beyond as partners in governance ”
It said the body is led by a team of respected traditional leaders serving as trustees
“Their collective leadership reflects a blend of experience cultural authority and grassroots connection
“Key elements considered vital for addressing long standing,socio economic and security challenges in the region”
The release further says ” the formation of this organization comes at a time when communities in Rivers state continue to navigate between issues ranging from youth unemployment, environmental concerns and intermittent conflicts amongst the traditional rulers and beyond
“By bringing together influential traditional figures under a unified platform, the group aims at serving as stabilizing force while advocating for inclusive development policies ” it said
It also described its emergence as a new chapter in grass roots leadership and regional development
Earlier, chairman of the body, Chief Boma Kele Oyika said the organization will work with relevant authorities to promote peaceful coexistence in the state, reduce crime and promote economic development.
He said it is open to all Chiefs from the 23 local government areas.
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