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Niger Delta

CRSG Reaps Benefits Of Rice Seedlings Factory …As Abia, Firm Order For N2bn Seedlings

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7 years ago

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It seems the Cross River State Government is currently reaping quantum financial benefits from its rice seeds and seedlings factory following the placing of orders by the Abia State Government and the IRS Group for N2billion worth of rice seedlings.
The seedlings are for distribution to rice farmers in Abia and Kano as part of wet season project, just as the orders were placed during a tour of the rice seeds and seedlings facility in Calabar by the Abia State Governor, Dr.Okezie Ikpeazu and Chairman of the IRS Group in Kano State, Rabiu Isiaku Rabiu.
Abia’s and IRS Group’s orders come on the heels of purchase of the seedlings by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) through the Rice Farmers’ Association of Nigeria (RIFAN) for South-South states and some corporate rice farmers from Kano, recently.
The Cross River automated rice seeds and seedlings factory, the first of its kind in Africa, was established by Governor Ben Ayade and commissioned by President Muhammadu Buhari in June, last year.
Whilst announcing the order, Ikpeazu said he was excited by what Ayade was doing in the area of agro-industrialization.
According to him, “Prof Ayade’s efforts will help in shaping the state and Nigeria in agriculture value chain, especially in rice production. Whatever yield you get from your rice must originate from the quality of the seedlings.
“I recommend this to other states in Nigeria, business men and the entire citizens. They must come here and see for themselves what is happening. There is no point going anywhere else in the world in search for quality seedlings, everything is in Cross River.”
On his part, the Chairman of the IRS Group, Rabiu Isiaku Rabiu commended Ayade’s rice revolution, saying the governor has set a pace.
“This is a very good idea and I’ m happy for the people of Cross River State. I will like to commend Governor Ayade for his vision and leadership style.
“For establishing this rice seeds and seedlings factory, not only for Cross River but also for Nigeria, there is no doubt that it has created employment and prosperity for the people.
“I will like to make a commitment and order seedlings worth of N500million to enable me sell the high yield seedlings at a reduced price to farmers in Kano State,” Rabiu said.

 

Friday Nwagbara, Calabar

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Niger Delta

Warri Delineation: Ekpemupolo Seeks Peaceful Impasse Resolution

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4 days ago

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June 12, 2026

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Dr. Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo, has called for calm and a peaceful resolution of the ongoing impasse in the Warri Federal Constituency.
Ekpemupolo, a High Chief in Ijaw land, who made the call in a statement in Warri,  noted that the ongoing impasse arose from the failure of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to complete the delineation of wards in the constituency.
He appealed that the situation must not be allowed to be hijacked or degenerate into violence of any sort.
“I join all well-meaning Nigerians to call for a peaceful resolution. The Ijaw nation has from time immemorial been known for their peaceful ways and we cannot deviate from our history.
“The current political situation arising from the failure of INEC to complete the delineation of wards in the Warri Federal Constituency and mass action must not be allowed to be hijacked or degenerate into violence of any sort.
“Therefore, I am calling for calm, no matter the situation. We must all join hands in seeking a peaceful resolution to this impasse”, he said.
Ekpemupolo, who is also the Chairman, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), while urging INEC to do the right thing and restore the peace in Warri and environ, called for an urgent meeting of community leaders to device a way forward.
“We call on the people of Warri (whether Ijaw, Itsekiri or Urhobo) to be calm and wait patiently for INEC to do the right thing”, he said.
He recalled that since on Monday, there had been mass action by peaceful women and youths from the various Ijaw communities in Delta, occupying oil and gas installations in the Escravos and Warri river areas.
He added that the peaceful action had led to calls from various quarters, particularly from well-meaning Nigerians, seeking for a peaceful resolution of the imbroglio.
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Niger Delta

Progress In 21-Km Nembe-Brass Road Project Impresses Diri … As Contractor Pledges December Delivery Date

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4 days ago

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June 12, 2026

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Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has expressed fulfillment with the ongoing construction of the 21km phase one of the Nembe-Brass road projects in the state’s eastern senatorial district.
The Governor described the project as a dream come true for him and the people of Nembe and Brass Local Government Areas.
Senator Diri, who inspected the expansive construction work on Tuesday, said the road, which cuts through the mangrove forest and rivers, was a testament to his administration’s determination to connect hitherto unreachable riverine communities by road despite the difficult terrain.
Led by the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, ESV Moses Teibowei, Diri first inspected the asphalted 10km portion of the road with about three bridges, before crossing the river on a barge to see the extent of work on another 10km that had been stabilised.
Diri in astatement by his spokesperson, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, was quoted as noting that it was one thing to have a vision and another to have the will to execute it.
Alabrah also quoted the Governor as saying that the project had been well funded since it commenced and assured that his administration will complete it on the date stated by the contractors.
On the second phase of the project undertaken by the federal government, the State Chief Execution appreciated President Bola Tinubu for awarding the contract and for ensuring that it is running simultaneously with the phase one being done by the state government.
“I feel accomplished. It is one thing to have the vision and another thing to have the will to do it. Being a Bayelsan, the importance of this road cannot be over-emphasised. This is what the people have been yearning for and I’m satisfied that the people are happy about the project.
“On funding, we have never disappointed the contractor and I believe they will not disappoint us. By the time the road is completed, it will reduce cases of sea piracy.
“Let me sieze this opportunity to thank President Bola Tinubu. There was another President when we proposed this road. We wrote, nobody answered us then. But this President did not only answer us, he awarded the contract for the second phase”, Diri said.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Teibowei, expressed satisfaction with the level of work so far done, stressing that the most difficult aspect of the job had been done.
He said the fifth bridge being constructed will be completed in three months while assuring that the road will be finished within the stipulated time.
The Setraco Construction Company South-South Area Manager (Bayelsa and Rivers), Mr. Jose Cosme, said phase one of the road will be completed in December 2026.
Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
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Niger Delta

NDDC Clears Compensation Hurdle, Accelerates 3.7Km Okrika-Borikiri Bridge Project

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4 days ago

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June 12, 2026

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The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has said construction work on the 3.75-kilometre Okrika-Borikiri Road and bridge project in Rivers State will gather momentum following the payment of compensation to affected property owners at the Borikiri axis of the project.
Speaking during an inspection of the project site in Okrika, the NDDC Assistant Director, Utilities, Infrastructure Development and Waterways (UIDW), Martins Isichei, disclosed that compensation issues that had stalled progress on the Borikiri alignment had been resolved.
According to him, the Commission has settled compensation claims for property owners affected by the project corridor and is awaiting the evacuation of residents before commencing demolition of structures within the right of way.
“The NDDC has paid compensation to property owners along the Borikiri alignment, and we are expecting the evacuation of residents there before we commence demolition of structures in the right of way”, he said.
Isichei noted that work on the Okrika section of the project had recorded significant progress despite challenges encountered on the waterways.
He explained that shortly after work resumed, a vessel collided with an existing pile, forcing engineers to redesign part of the bridge structure.
“When we resumed work on the site, a vessel collided with an existing pile. We had to re-profile the bridge and develop a new design to circumvent the damaged pile”, he said.
The NDDC official expressed optimism that the project would ease traffic congestion along the refinery road corridor and significantly reduce travel time between Okrika and Port Harcourt upon completion.
He explained that the project comprises three major bridge structures: the 180-metre Kolabi Bridge at Etche Waterfront, the 1,120-metre Abotoru Bridge, and the 490-metre Okpoka Bridge.
While acknowledging that progress on the Borikiri alignment had lagged because of compensation-related issues, Isichei said construction activities would commence there shortly.
Also speaking, the Project Consultant, Azu Chukwuma, said the scope of the project was reviewed following its revival to align with present realities and engineering requirements.
He noted that efforts were underway to accelerate construction, particularly the launching of bridge beams, despite the high cost of marine logistics associated with the project.
“Our intention is to determine how quickly we can proceed with launching the first sets of beams. The work is mainly on the river, and much of the marine logistics involved is costly. I am in touch with the appropriate officials of the NDDC to determine the best way forward”, Chukwuma stated.
He commended host communities for their cooperation, noting that the absence of major disputes had contributed to the project’s steady progress.
A representative of the construction company, Maroun Kassouf, said fabrication of bridge beams had advanced considerably and that installation would begin soon.
“The project is progressing well. Once people evacuate at the Borikiri end, we will demolish the structures there and move to that site immediately. That end would be much easier, as the river is shallower than the Okrika end”, he said.
The Vice Chairman of the Okrika Community Development Committee, Minengibi Ferdinand, lauded the NDDC for undertaking the project, describing it as a critical infrastructure that would improve connectivity and stimulate economic growth.
He said the road and bridge network would provide an alternative route to Okrika, ease pressure on the East-West Road and open up communities for greater socio-economic development.
“This is a laudable project that will ease traffic on the East-West Road and provide an alternate route to Okrika. We are hopeful that once it is completed, it will attract socio-economic development to our community”, Ferdinand said.
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