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‘New Agric Vision For More Food’
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, says the new Rivers Vision on Agriculture is aimed at making quality food available and affordable for all families as well as guarantee food security in the State.
Governor Wike made the declaration today while speaking at this year’s World Food Day celebration held at the Isaac Boro Park, Port Harcourt.
The Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. (Mrs.) Ipalibo Harry Banigo said it is for this reason that his administration has undertaken a number of road infrastructure in some rural communities in the State to ensure that food are accessed and transported to the urban centers.
He stated that the giant strides so far recorded in water development and promotion of agriculture is to grow the farms and plantations and generate employment for young farmers in view of its profitability to the society.
Governor Wike opined that his administration would go beyond lip service and rhetorics of another World Food Day, stressing that the Ministry of Agriculture is already making frantic efforts to bring in investors to partner with Government to go into massive agricultural production.
He called on the Business Community, NDDC, Stakeholders and its Partners to join forces with the Government to ensure that the new agricultural vision for the State is realized in the next few years.
”We have a lot of arable land that can be identified for commercial farming but we notice that Nigeria is perhaps the world’s second largest importer of rice and with our waterways, why don’t we look at how we can have sustainable fish production instead of importing so much fish.” the Governor said.
He encouraged real and young farmers to take advantage of the ongoing registration of farmers in the State by the Ministry of Agriculture to be able to access Government agricultural facilities at cheap interest rates as well as the modern technology needed for increased food production “so that they can find agriculture business as one that is sustainable, and one that they will be part of.”
Earlier in her welcome address, the Rivers State Commissioner for Agriculture Mrs. Onimim Jacks said the theme of this year’s celebration “Climate is Changing Food and Agriculture Must Too” is a panacea to the food crisis in the State emphasizing that for this to be realized, there must be the understanding, readiness and willingness on the part of the people to adapt to the climate change variability.
She noted that in pursuance of the Ministry’s vision and objective of creating and promoting a conductive environment for agricultural production and investment to strive, the Ministry has engaged foreign and local investors through public private partnership, with the aim of improving the livelihood of the citizenry.
In his address, the Chairman of the occasion and Vice Chancellor of Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Professor Blessing Didia said the people should begin to change their attitude as it relates to the climate, while the young ones should be encouraged to take interest in agriculture as alternative to white collar job that is very scarce.
He called on the State Ministry of Agriculture to take greater action in tackling the challenge of food production in the State by investing more in the sector.
Also speaking, the Chairman House Committee on Agriculture in the Rivers State House of Assembly Hon. Chisom Promise Dike assured that the Assembly would continue to enact the necessary legal framework that will enhance massive food production in the State.
The Organised Labour yesterday, called on the Federal Government to ensure inclusiveness in policy making and guide against erosion of rights, such as free speech and association.
The President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero made the call at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Eagle’s Square, Abuja.
The Tide source reports Ajaero and the President, Trade Union Congress, Mr Festus Osifo delivered a joint statement on behalf of the organised labour at the event.
Ajaero described May Day as, not only a moment to honour workers’ sacrifices, but also a platform to demand justice and accountability from those in public office.
He frowned at the alleged suppression of protests, and the erosion of rights of workers by some agents
According to him, workers have a duty to resist economic injustice, insecurity, and policies that undermine their dignity.
Speaking on the theme of the day, the NLC President underscored the need for Nigerian workers to reclaim the civic space and resist policies that contribute to worsening economic conditions.
“Our theme this year – “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the midst of Economic Hardship – reflects the urgent need for citizens to protect democracy and push back against repression.
“The civic space, where Nigerians express their concerns and challenge injustices is shrinking.
“If we fail to reclaim this space, the foundation of our democracy risks collapse,” he said
Ajaero, therefore, urged workers to unite and resist division, fear, and despair.
He also urged them to mobilise and organise for change, declaring that the right to demand better conditions is non-negotiable.
“Without workers, there is no society; without labour, there is no development. We must take our place in the fight for economic justice and democratic governance.”
Speaking in the same veins, Osifo said workers are the backbone of the nation—the educators, healthcare providers, builders, farmers, and innovators who sustain its economy -.
He stressed the need for the labour to reclaim the civic space even in the midst of economic hardship.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disassociated itself from a fraudulent site requesting payments from candidates who missed the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The board said that the site, “Copyrightwriter Personal J Rescheduling Flw” and account number 8520641017 at Sterling Bank, associated with it, are scam.
The disclaimer is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday by the Board’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin.
Benjamin said the account is being exploited to defraud unsuspecting candidates who missed their UTME.
“We issue this urgent notice to inform the public about this nefarious scheme targeting candidates who were unable to participate in the UTME.
“Some unscrupulous individuals are deceitfully soliciting payments of N15,700 under the false pretence of offering rescheduling services for the examination.
“Let us be unequivocal: this, it is a blatant scam, and we are confident that the public will not fall prey to such cheap and regressive tactics.
” The individuals behind this scam have no affiliation with JAMB or any legitimate government agency.
“The account details provided in these communications are entirely fictitious and bear no connection to any official processes; they exist solely for the purpose of perpetrating fraud,” he said.
Benjamin called on Sterling bank to take immediate and decisive action against this criminal activity.
According to him, JAMB has reported the matter to the relevant security agencies and actively pursuing those responsible for this deceitful act.
He further said that “JAMB does not reschedule examinations for candidates who miss their scheduled tests due to reasons unrelated to the Board’s actions”.
He, however, said that the Board is conducting a thorough investigation for candidates whose biometrics failed during verification and were thus unable to sit for the examination.
He said those without discrepancies would be invited to retake the examination at no cost , stressing that “no cost is required”
“It is imperative to understand that JAMB does not charge any fees for examinations after a candidate has completed their registration.
“We strongly urge all candidates to remain vigilant and not to succumb to these fraudulent schemes.
“Protect yourselves and report any suspicious activity immediately,” he explained.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has expressed its willingness to partner with the United Nations (UN) to accelerate the development of the Niger Delta region.
Dr Samual Ogbuku, Managing Director of the NDDC, made the appeal in a statement issued by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama, in Port Harcourt on yesterday.
According to the statement, Ogbuku sought the UN’s support during his visit to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (UNRHC), Mr Mohammed Fall, at the UN regional office in Abuja.
He called on the global body to provide the NDDC with technical assistance and expert services to support the region’s development.
“We are eager to collaborate with the UN, recognising that the state governments in the region and the NDDC alone cannot achieve the level of regional development required,” he said.
Ogbuku identified key areas where support would be needed, including the provision of portable and affordable drinking water powered by high-tech solar energy sources.
He also highlighted the importance of reforesting the mangrove swamps, which have been severely damaged by decades of environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in the Niger Delta.
“Although the NDDC has made progress in providing solar-powered streetlights across the region, we still require UN support in delivering solar energy solutions for residential buildings.
“We also wish to explore the possibility of installing solar mini-grids in homes across communities, which would boost local commerce and trade,” he added.
The NDDC managing director further appealed for increased UN involvement in areas such as healthcare, education, youth training, gender development, and food security.
Ogunku stated that such interventions would significantly enhance the standard of living in the region.
In response, Fall affirmed the UN’s readiness to collaborate with the NDDC to fast track development in the Niger Delta.
He assured that the UN would support initiatives in food security, job creation, education, and renewable energy, among other areas.
“We aim to approach development in the Niger Delta holistically, rather than focusing solely on environmental pollution.
“This is merely an entry point; however, the UN’s development vision aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are designed to positively impact various aspects of people’s lives,” Fall stated.
He assured the NDDC of continued and fruitful engagements to drive the region’s development.