Business
IFAD Spends $447,000 On Projects In C’River
The Cross River State Government has in the last six years accessed $447,000 from the International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD) for projects, the State Programme Officer, Mr. Innocent Ogbin, said.
Ogbin told newsmen in an interview in Calabar on Wednesday that the amount represented 40 per cent of the total project cost.
He said the lack of prompt payment of counterpart funds from contributory partners was responsible for the low level of implementation of IFAD programmes in the state.
He said, “So far, we have been able to draw down $447,000 from IFAD to date and that is just over 40 per cent. We still have more than over 50 per cent yet to draw.
“And the reason is because of low commitment in terms of counterpart funding.”
Ogbin said the state had paid N154m as counterpart funding between 2006 and 2011 but had yet to pay for 2012.
He added, “The state is doing very well, the state’s yearly contribution is N45m, which they have paid up to 2011, as at today, the state is 75 per cent compliant.
“But the huge challenge lies with the local government councils. Incidentally, this takes about 45 per cent of the entire project funding.
“So you can agree that if you take away 45 per cent funding in the project, the remaining 55 per cent cannot complete the project. That is a huge challenge.”
He, however, said an agreement had been reached for the funds to be deducted at source from the accounts of the nine councils involved in the project.
Ogbin said, “But now we have been able to get the commitment of local government councils involved. And they are in line with the agreement that this fund should be deducted from their allocations.
“We hope that by the first quarter of 2013, these funds would be paid.
He said his office had devised a means of taxing the benefiting communities in order to augment the lack of payment of counterpart funds by the councils.
He further noted that in spite of the shortcoming of the councils, they were still asking for more projects in their communities.
He added, “The councils are equally asking for expansions of the projects to more communities which we had recommended in the last review mission.”
Nkpemenyie Mcdominic
Reports say that the training is designed to equip youths with practical technical skills for employment in the oil and gas and construction sectors, with emphasis on employability, safety, competence and self reliance.
In attendance at the flag-off ceremony this week, at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Conference Hall, Effurun, were stakeholders, dignitaries, and political representatives, among others.
Dafinone, represented by his Chief of Staff, Adelabu Bodjor, said the initiative reflects a deliberate political investment in human capital development across Delta Central.
He explained that the training focuses on rigging and scaffolding, noting that “both are essential technical competencies required in industrial operations, construction projects, and oil and gas installations”.
Bodjor added, “The programme is intended to reduce dependency among youths by providing job-ready skills capable of supporting long-term economic opportunities and self-sufficiency. The initiative aligns with Senator Dafinone’s broader development agenda, which prioritises practical skill acquisition as a pathway to sustainable empowerment.”
Also addressing the participants, the NCDMB, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by Mr. Teddy Bai, commended Dafinone for sponsoring the programme, describing it as “a timely response to critical manpower gaps in the industry”.
Bai explained that rigging and scaffolding remain safety-sensitive skills required across fabrication yards, offshore platforms, and construction sites, stressing that the programme bridges the gap between certification and practical competence.
He also charged the training consultant, OROH Contractors Limited, to maintain strict standards of professionalism, safety, and discipline, while urging participants to remain committed, focused, and disciplined throughout the exercise.
The Senate Liaison Officer for Sapele Local Government Area, Chief Patrick Akamuvba, , described the programme as a major step in strengthening human capital development in Delta Central.
Akamuvba said scaffolding and rigging skills are in high demand across residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects, noting that the training offers real employment opportunities for beneficiaries
He urged participants to prioritise knowledge and certification over short-term material expectations, stressing that discipline and seriousness would determine their long-term success.
He also cautioned youths against social vices and distractions, advising them to remain focused to maximise the opportunities provided by the programme.