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Niger Delta

Oil Palm Production: FG Assures On Subsidised Oil Palm Harvesters

Published

12 years ago

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The Federal Government
says it is set to supply 73 motorised harvesters at subsidised rate to farmers, to boost oil palm production in Nigeria.
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, said this in Uyo while delivering his keynote address at the 1st International Palm Produce Conference (IPPC).
The conference has the theme, “Investment in Oil Palm and its Derivatives: A Panacea for African Economic Growth and Sustenance”.
Adesina, who was represented by Dr Dickson Okolo, the Director of Cooperatives in the ministry, said that this would address the challenges faced by farmers in harvesting fresh fruit bunches.
He explained that the motorised harvesters would harvest between 500 and 900 fresh fruit bunches per day.
He observed that before now, 70 per cent of mature fresh fruits were under-harvested.
The minister said the ministry was currently fabricating better mills for small and medium-scale plantations as well as processors to be made available to farmers across the country.
The minister said that under the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan, the Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) had intensified efforts to produce improved oil palm seedlings.
Adesina said that under the project, nine million improved seedlings would be raised and distributed to farmers.
In his goodwill message, Gov. Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom, said that the theme of the conference was apt as the hope of the country was no more in crude oil but agriculture.
Akpabio, who was represented by the Secretary to State Government, Mr Udom Emmanuel, said that Nigeria must return to agriculture as the country was well endowed in this sector.
He said that investing in agriculture would boost employment opportunities in the country and reduce youth restiveness.
Akpabio said that his administration had created the enabling environment for private investors to invest in agriculture, adding that there were enormous opportunities in the area.
The three-day conference was organised by the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment, in collaboration with National Palm Produce Association of Nigeria (NPPAN).

Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba (3rd right), Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State (right) and other dignitaries, at the Ground Breaking of the Nigerian Naval Secondary School at Ibusa-Ogwasi-Uku Expressway in Delta, last Tuesday.

Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba (3rd right), Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State (right) and other dignitaries, at the Ground Breaking of the Nigerian Naval Secondary School at Ibusa-Ogwasi-Uku Expressway in Delta, last Tuesday.

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Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

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2 weeks ago

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September 12, 2025

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The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Mr. Monday Agbonika, has vowed to hunt down and bring to justice those behind the killing of eight NSCDC operatives in the State.
Agbonika gave the assurance on Tuesday during an on-the-spot assessment of the attack scene, which also involved the abduction of a Chinese national.
Describing the incident as “a dastardly act that will not go unpunished”, the Commissioner expressed condolences to the Edo State Command of the NSCDC.
He paid tribute to the fallen operatives, describing them as “gallant personnel who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.”
“We stand in solidarity with the NSCDC in this grief. Their sacrifice will not be in vain, and Edo people should expect justice”, Agbonika said.
In a separate meeting with Chinese community members at BUA Cement, Okpella, the police chief assured that efforts were ongoing to rescue the abducted expatriate alive.
“Our men are on the ground, and operations have been intensified. We are determined to rescue the kidnapped victim and prevent further incidents in the area”, he said.
Agbonika appealed for calm among residents, urging cooperation through timely and credible intelligence to aid ongoing security operations.
“Security is a collective responsibility. We call on residents to support us with information. Together, we will defeat criminals threatening Edo’s peace”, he added.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and properties, stressing that it would not relent until the attackers were arrested and justice delivered.
The Tide’s source reports that the Okpella attack occurred on Friday.
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Niger Delta

Police Nab Suspected Illicit Drugs Dealer In Delta

Published

2 weeks ago

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September 12, 2025

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The Police Command in Delta State has arrested a suspected female illicit drugs dealer in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.
The command’s Spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Warri on Wednesday.
Edafe said the suspect was nabbed alongside her three apprentices on August 29 by the police operatives attached to the Ughelli Area Command.
He said the operatives carried out the raid following credible information on the activities of some individuals that indulged in the sale of illicit drugs within Afisere/Ughelli town.
“The operatives trailed and arrested a drug baron who operates a chemist store in Afisere Community alongside three of her apprentices.
“The suspect led the operatives to her house at Afisere and a search warrant was executed.
“Exhibits recovered from the suspects included: 355 bottles of CSC codeine, 57 rolls of 50MG tramadol capsules, 335 rolls of 100mg tramadol capsules.
“Others were: 33 rolls of 200mg super royal, seven backwoods, 540 sachets of swinol capsules and 16 cups of Canadian liquid cannabis”, he said.
The police spokesman said investigation further revealed that the suspect was a major dealer in illicit drugs in Ughelli and its environs.
Edafe added that investigation in the matter was ongoing.
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Niger Delta

C’River Assembly extends Bekwarra LG Chairman’s Suspension By 3 Months

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2 weeks ago

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September 12, 2025

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The Cross River State House of Assembly has extended the suspension of the Bekwarra Council Chairman, Ms. Theresa Ushie, to 90 days.
Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. Elvert Ayambem, made the remark on Wednesday during plenary.
The Tide’s source recalls that Ushie was suspended on June 10 for three months on allegations of corruption, misconduct and abuse of power.
The suspension followed a petition from the Bekwarra Local Government Legislative Council, signed by eight of its members, who also attempted to impeach her.
Ayambem explained that the extension was to allow the House Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions and Conflict Resolution more time to investigate the petition written against the chairman by the Bekwarra Legislature.
The House had earlier deliberated on a motion calling for the extension of the office of the LGA Acting Chairman, Mr. Egbung Obama, before agreeing to extend Ushie’s suspension.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Investigative Committee and member, representing Abi State Constituency, Mr. Davies Etta, said the committee needed more time to carry out a thorough investigation.
Ushie was elected as Bekwarra Local Government Council Chairman and sworn-in in November 2024.
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