Niger Delta

Expert Urges Intensive Fish Farming In N’Delta

Published

12 years ago

May 11, 2010

A veterinary doctor, Dr Kingsley Umeayor, has called on Niger Delta people to embark on intensive fish farming so as to become the largest fish producers in the country.

Umeayor told newsmen in Warri that governments of the Niger Delta states should assist their youths in efforts to transform the region into a fish-producing region.

He said that the region was richly blessed with human and natural resources. “Apart from crude oil, agriculture is another viable resource given to them by God and if properly developed, the region will be the food basket of the nation,’’ he said.

Umeayor said that the fish farming would thrive in the region because of the nearness of its soil to underground water.

“If you want to construct an earthen pond, you will not go far into the ground before you strike water; unlike in the East, where water is hard to find,’’ he said.Umeayor said that fish farming was one of the stable farming systems that would not disappoint the farmer if well taken care of.

He said that once the pond, whether earthen, concrete or surface systems, were put in place, the fishery itself would not be an expensive venture, depending on the scale.

The veterinary doctor said that in the region, the pond system was prevalent due to the nature of the soil, adding, however, that there were some rules to observe so as to stem fish mortality.

He said that the most dangerous time for the fishes after hatching was at their tender age, particularly when transferring them from the brooding point to the pond.

Umeayor said that this was because the fishes were very tender and a change of environment would affect them, adding that those that survived that stage stood the chances growing to maturity. “Fish are not like birds that you must give all the necessary immunisation and vitamins as they are growing up and producing since their main sickness was viral infections.“

For fish, once you uphold the standard feeding regime and start them well, none of the fish will die and you will harvest all of them.

“The fishery rules include not overcrowding fishes in the pond because of their carnivorous nature as the bigger ones would eat up the small ones.

“Overcrowding also induces some kind of stress syndrome and their immunity will go down. Fishes have their own diseases but the mortality rate is not high.

“As long as you start them well with good feeds at their tender age, you may not need to give them any drug before harvesting, unlike poultry,’’ he said.

Umeayor, however, said that fishery was a good, viable business because it had a ready market with appreciable profits.

He said that poultry was equally good, adding, however, that it required more attention although one could start it with smaller capital.

Umeayor said that starting a small-scale fishery would cost about N500, 000, while a large-scale one could cost up to N1 million.He said that fish harvesting ranged from four months to six months.

Niger Delta

Gunmen Kidnap DPO, Demand N50m Ransom

Published

28 mins ago

November 29, 2021

The Tide

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Fugar Division in Etsako Central Local Government Area identified as Ibrahim Ishaq has been reported kidnapped near Ise river along the Auchi – Ekperi-Agenebode road.
It was gathered that the police officer was travelling with his orderly last Friday when they were attacked by the kidnappers.
A source close to the police said: “He was coming from Agenebode to Fugar and he passed through Ekperi Road and they were attacked. He was kidnapped but his orderly escaped and the kidnappers have made contact this morning and they are demanding N50million. The incident happened around 6:30 pm on Friday.”
As at the time of filing this report, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Edo State was yet to respond to a text message sent to him.
But it was gathered that the Commissioner of Police, Philip Ogbadu has ordered immediate deployment of men of the Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber Crime unit, men of the Tactical and Srike teams of the state Police Command to move to the area to rescue the DPO unhurt.
Fear has enveloped the community, with members debating the incident and arguing that “if a DPO can be abducted, who is safe?”.

Niger Delta

Jonathan Tasks Leaders On Peace, Unity

Published

29 mins ago

November 29, 2021

The Tide

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has urged Nigerian leaders to value the interest of every section of the country in order to build a united nation devoid of agitation, disunity and disenchantment.
Jonathan spoke when he led members of the 1981 set of the University of Port Harcourt Alumni Association on Saturday to the king of Opume kingdom in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, King Amalate Turner.
The Tide reports that Jonathan described the country as being blessed with both human and natural endowments, which can only be enjoyed in a peaceful atmosphere.
He urged leaders to focus more on building a united nation where no one society or tribe should be more valued than the other.
“If leaders derail, then there is bound to be disunity and disenchantment from those who feel not being accorded their rightful respect and value,” he said.
Jonathan, who is an alumnus and a member of the pioneer graduate class of 1981 of the University of Port Harcourt, said the reunion programme was part of activities of the alumni aimed at fostering bond among old classmates.
He said it was also a platform to deliberate on issues affecting their alma mater and give back to the school and society in general.
On his part, King Turner said it was a good thing to reunite with his classmates after 40 years of separation.

Niger Delta

A’Ibom Delegation In South Korea To Drive Seaport Realisation

Published

30 mins ago

November 29, 2021

The Tide

A delegation from Akwa Ibom State, comprising members of the Ibom Deep Seaport Committee is currently in, Seoul, South Korea to drive Governor Udom Emmanuel’s vision for the rapid realisation of the seaport.
Among members of the delegation are Secretary to the State Government, Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem, Commissioner for Economic Development and Ibom Deep Seaport, Mr Akan Okon, and Chairman of the Implementation Technical Committee, Mrs Mfon Usoroh.
They are among the Nigerian contingent to the Maritime Sector and Harbour Development programme in Seoul, South Korea.
The Nigerian contingent is under the leadership of the Nigerian Ambassador to South Korea, Ambassador Ali M. Magashi.
Opening up on the essence of the visit, Commissioner for Economic Development and Ibom Deep Seaport said it was to help offer inputs for the development of lbom Deep Seaport.
According to Commissioner Akan Okon, the visit will also enable Akwa Ibom State tap into the broadening bilateral relationship between Nigeria and South Korea, especially in the areas of maritime security and economic development.
“Having invested so much in the Ibom Deep Seaport, the administration of Governor Udom Emmanuel will continue to seek ways that would ensure the Ibom Deep Seaport is optimally beneficial to Akwa Ibom people, when it is finally established.”
Mr Akan Okon assured that, “on our part, we’ll continue to work tirelessly to drive Governor Udom Emmanuel’s lofty vision for Akwa Ibom State.”