Niger Delta

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

Published

6 years ago

August 9, 2019

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

Niger Delta

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.

Niger Delta

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.

Niger Delta

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.