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FG Trains 40 Extension Agents In Rivers
To ensure sufficiency in food production and enhance agricultural development in Rivers State, the Federal Government through the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has commenced the training of 40 extension agents selected from the 23 local government areas of the state.
The four-day capacity training is the second batch of the training series designed by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in collaboration with the National Agricultural and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS) to acquaint the selected participants with the knowledge of extension tools, methodologies and selected agricultural value chains.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the programme held at the Rivers State Agricultural Development Programme (ADP), Rumuodomaya in Obio /Akpor Local Government Area of the state, Wednesday, the Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development stated that extension workers are critical and invaluable to the development of agricultural sector in every given society.
Represented by the state Director FMARD, Mr Ebinimi Tobin, the Minister said that agricultural extension services predate the independence of the country, about 120 years ago precisely in 1893, saying that the agric extension services have metemorphosed from one stage to another as it is important to rural and semi urban development with regard to food and job provisions.
He described agricultural extension delivery services as a vehicle for all agric policies and research, adding that without which, all efforts in the ecosystem would not realise its objectives
“This training is one of the various strategies planned by the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to halt the drift in the extension services with the aim to pursue revalidation agenda of the nation’s economy. This training is the second batch that will empower you all with the knowledge that will enhance service delivery to farmers both in terms of production practical and equipment technical support. It is the desire of the Federal Government and every Nigerian that the nation agric extension services meet up global competitiveness to have adequate food provision for the growing population and augment foreign earnings,” he stated.
Also speaking, the Director of Extension, FMARD, Engr Frank Satuman Kudia represented by the Agric Officer, Mrs Gloria Ibroma said the training is one among the various recommendations of the special technical committee set up by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to among other things assist to develop a workable framework and actionable programme for the immediate training of 75 extension workers in collaboration with state ADPs.
According to him, the unwillingness by the youth to embrace agricultural entrepreneurship, poor funding, retirement and death of extension workers are key factors responsible for the decline in the national agricultural extension services in the country.
“The training is designed to empower participants with desired skills in the use of extension delivery methodologies and tools as well as best global agricultural value chains chosen by the various state ADPs. This training provides you with various logistics and manuals which will help you all practise in the emerging technologies in the sector. So, take the workshop seriously, “he stated
Declaring the training workshop open, the state Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Fred Kpakol commended the Federal Government for taking the bull by the horn by training the extension agents whom he described as essential workers for the advancement of the agriculture sector in the society.
The state Commissioner who was represented by the state Coordinator of FADAMA, Sir Kingsley Amadi, described the extension workers as pivotal to the development of agriculture.
He disclosed that it was the importance the state government attaches to agriculture that is responsible for its investing in the sector through building model garri factory, model Abattoirs as well as building a modern Veterinary Clinic, among others.
Earlier in his address of welcome, the Programme Manager, ADP, Chief David Darius urged the participants to take the workshop seriously, adding that they are to carry the message to the farmers at the rural communities even as he described the roles of extension workers as very essential in every aspect of human endeavor.
By: Akujobi Amadi
News
RSG Cancels ?134BN Secretariat Contract, Orders Refund Of ?20BN Mobilisation … Revalidates Four Projects
The Rivers State Executive Council has revoked the ?134bn contract awarded to the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) for the renovation, retrofitting, and furnishing of the Rivers State Secretariat Complex by the State of Emergency Administration.
The council directed the immediate refund of the ?20bn mobilization fee already paid to the contractor.
Relatedly, the Council also approved the revalidation of the bidding processes for four contracts, consisting of the renovation of the State Secretariat Complex, construction of reinforced concrete shoreline protection and reclamation works in several riverine communities of Opobo/Nkoro, and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Areas. The projects earlier advertised for which bid documents were cancelled by the Emergency Administration and fees returned to the companies that had earlier purchased them.
The decisions were reached during the State Executive Council meeting held on Thursday at the Government House, Port Harcourt, and presided over by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Briefing newsmen, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart explained that the contracts had been awarded in a hasty manner without following due process. He said the council, therefore, approved the revalidation of the bidding process for all four contracts that were earlier advertised in national dailies on February 19, 2025.
With the revalidation process now on, Dr. Ezekiel-Hart stated that a fresh bidding will be advertised in newspapers for competent and experienced contractors to prequalify and submit both technical and commercial bids.
He listed the projects to include, “The construction of 4.8km reinforced concrete shoreline protection and reclamation of Queenstown, Epellema, Oloma, and Minima communities in Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area in Rivers State. The construction of 2.5km shoreline protection and reclamation in Ndoni-Onukwu, Isikwu, and Aziazagi communities in Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area.
“The construction of 2.5km shoreline protection and reclamation in Utuechi, Obiofu, Isala, Ani-Eze, and Odugri communities in Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area. The renovation, retrofitting and furnishing of the Rivers State Secretariat Complex,” he added.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Dr. Azibaolanari Uzoma-Nwogu, announced that the council approved the constitution of a committee to develop a proposal for the creation of Computer-Based Test (CBT) Centres and ICT Laboratories across the three senatorial districts of the state.
She explained that the initiative is in line with the Federal Government’s directive that beginning in 2026, all examinations conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) will be computer-based.
The committee, chaired by the Deputy Governor, has the Secretary to the State Government, Permanent Secretaries from the Ministries of Education, Works, Information and Communications and Commissioner for Energy as members. Dr. Uzoma-Nwogu said the move will prepare Rivers youths for a digital future and improve the quality of education across the state.
On issues of employment, the Commissioner for Employment Generation and Economic Empowerment, Dr. Chisom Gbali, said the council reviewed ongoing efforts to create jobs for Rivers youths. He disclosed that his ministry has been directed to develop a framework for job creation and economic empowerment, noting that the government is determined to open up more opportunities for the young population.
“We want to assure Rivers youths that there will be a rising tide of employment and steady waves of economic empowerment,” Dr. Gbali said. “We know our Governor, when he makes a promise, he ensures it is fulfilled.”
On his part, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Sirawoo, said council also deliberated extensively on the recent flash floods experienced in some parts of the state. He said the council directed immediate remedial intervention to address the situation, and cautioned residents against the indiscriminate disposal of waste into drainage channels and building on waterways, which worsens flooding.
Dr. Sirawoo further noted that Governor Fubara remains deeply committed to the development of Rivers State and determined to accelerate the pace of governance despite time lost. He added that the administration’s renewed focus and energy will soon place Rivers State firmly back on the path of sustainable growth and progress.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the completion of the 62.650km Port Harcourt Ring Road project, despite the setbacks that have slowed its progress.
The Governor gave the assurance during an on-site inspection tour of the project on Monday, where he emphasised that the state government remains resolute in its determination to deliver the massive infrastructure for public use.
Addressing journalists at the Eneka Flyover axis of the project, Governor Fubara stated that his visit was to verify the level of compliance and commitment shown by the construction firm, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.
Governor Fubara noted that discussions with the contractor had been ongoing to ensure that work resumes at full capacity after a period of financial challenges that affected the project’s continuity.
“You are aware that this project was, I won’t say abandoned, but somehow, for lack of funds, the contractor withdrew from the site. We have been discussing with them, and they gave me their word that although we have not finished all the discussions, they have already moved back to site, and I’m here to confirm that.”
The Governor described the Port Harcourt Ring Road project, which traverses six local government areas, as one of the most significant infrastructure undertakings in the state’s history, noting that its completion would not only ease traffic congestion in the capital city but also stimulate economic activities across multiple local government areas.
Governor Fubara reiterated his administration’s resolve to continue prioritising infrastructure development as a foundation for economic growth and social progress.
“I want to make this promise to our good people of Rivers State,” the Governor declared. “This project that we started, by the special grace of God, we are going to complete it. We owe our people a responsibility to deliver on our commitments, and this project will not be an exception,” he added.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has charged the 2025 Batch B, Stream II National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members deployed to the State, to use the NYSC skill acquisition training programme to build capacity.
Governor Fubara gave the charge on Tuesday when he declared closed, the 2025 Batch B Stream II orientation exercise in the State.
Represented by the newly sworn-in Secretary to the State Government and Chairman NYSC State Governing Board, Hon. Benibo Anabraba, Governor Fubara enjoined the Corps members to embrace skill acquisition wholeheartedly in order to elevate themselves as wealth creators and employers of labour.
“Take Rivers State as your home. Be assured of the warmth, hospitality, and accommodating disposition of the good of our people at all times.
“Take the skill acquisition and entrepreneurship development post camp training very seriously and equip yourselves with the capacity to compete favourably in the nation’s huge economic space,” he stressed.
The Governor called on the Corps members to see their mobilization into the NYSC Scheme as a fundamental way to provide humanitarian services.
“Remember that you owe it to yourself, family, and the nation, the responsibility to serve selflessly and honourably,” he admonished.
In his farewell address, the State Coordinator of NYSC, Mr. Moses Oleghe appealed to the Corps members to use the opportunity of the service year to discover their true purpose.
He further encouraged them to embody selfless service and empathy in serving the people.
The colourful ceremony witnessed a vibrant parade.