30,000 Delta Farmers To Benefit From FG’s Agric Programme

Published

9 years ago

August 26, 2016

The Delta State Government said no fewer than 30,000 farmers in the state will benefit from the Federal Government’s Anchor Programme on Agriculture.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Chief Austin Chikezie, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Asaba.

Chikezie said that the registered 30,000 farmers were taking steps to meet the requirements for the programme.

The commissioner said that the ministry, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Bank of Agriculture (BOA) had concluded the bank verification for the first batch of the beneficiaries.

“We have registered the farmers and finished with the first verification being conducted by CBN, Bank of Agriculture (BOA) and the Ministry of Agriculture.

“They are now at the stage of opening accounts with the BOA and after that, they will be given their Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs) and trained for two weeks.

“The state government is very committed to ensuring the success of the programme by sponsoring the verification. It will also sponsor the training of farmers,” he said.

He lauded the Federal Government for the programme, but noted that it was coming behind the planting season.

The commissioner, however, said the farmers would plant crops that could thrive this period.

“So, as soon as we are ready to take off, we will look at those crops that we can grow now.

“We are considering four areas – cassava planting, rice cultivation, oil palm plantation and fisheries – in which we have a comparative advantage,” he said.

Chikezie said that the crops would grow well in the state this period.

He said that the ministry had acquired over 1000 hectares of land for rice cultivation in Ebu, Oshimili North local government area of the state.

“We have mobilized farmers into forming cooperative societies and they have received approval for the supply of two mini rice mills in Obior and Agbarho to boost rice production.

“The ministry is also raising about 220,000 oil palm seedlings to be distributed to farmers in the 2017 planting season.

“The state government is building two new fish clusters each with 40 fishing ponds in Mbiri and Ewulu communities.

“The farmers will be assisted to raise the fishes from fingerling to maturity,” he said.

The commissioner added that the ministry had organised capacity building for 120 poultry farmers and distributed improved varieties of cassava cuttings to over 300 farmers across the state.

He said the state government was partnering with research institutes to introduce the 419 cassava variety to farmers in the state during the 2017 planting season.

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

2 weeks ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

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.

Police Nab Suspected Illicit Drugs Dealer In Delta

Published

2 weeks ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

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.

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

Published

2 weeks ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

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.