Business
Farmers Lament Destruction Of Crops
The Chairman, Etche Farmers Co-operatives Association, Godwin Akandu has decried the destruction of farm crops by stray animals in the area.
Akandu noted that his members were recording huge losses due to the activities of stray domestic animals and urged owners of the animals to control the movement of their animals to check the trend.
“Those who own or rear domestic animals should make sure that these animals are not allowed unrestricted movement such that they trespass into other people’s farms to destroy their crops.
“If you remember, this is the major reason why the activities of Fulani herdsmen are being condemned. Destroying people’s farm crops or allowing your animals feed on people’s crops is not only bad but wicked”, he said.
Akandu explained that reports had been made to chiefs, security agencies but noted that owners of these domestic animals, especially goats and sheep, still allow their animals unrestricted movements.
He stressed the need for community leaders to be part of the campaign against the menace.
A farmer, John Nwadike, told The Tide correspondent in Mba community on Saturday that cassava, vegetables, yams and other crops in farms close to the homes were being destroyed daily by domestic animals straying around homes.
“These animals, traditionally are expected to be restricted to particular area where they are provided feeds by their owners, but unfortunately the owners now allow them to forage hence, they enter into farms and eat up farm crops.
“This is quite discouraging, especially in this era that emphasis is on agriculture. Raring animals is good because it is also part of agriculture, but using your animals to destroy other farmers crops is something else”, he said.
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.
