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Agriculture Reduces Nigeria’s Dependence On Oil Sector, FG Admits

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The Federal Government, yesterday, disclosed agriculture has reduced Nigeria’s dependence on oil sector in generating foreign exchange revenue.
This was made known by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Mohammed Abubakar, during the launch of ‘Technical Working Documents and Debriefing of Outcomes of Socio-economic Studies’ by ICRISAT Nigeria, held in Abuja.
According to Abubakar, investment in agriculture is paying and the country has become the largest producer of rice and sorghum in Africa, second largest producer of millet.
He said: “Our investment in agriculture is paying and the country has become the largest producer of rice and sorghum in Africa, second largest producer of millet in Africa and the first in cassava and yam production globally.
“However, more needs to be done, the potentials across crops, livestock, horticulture and fisheries sub-sectors are enormous.
“The agricultural sector leads in diversifying the economy, and the oil sector is no longer dominant sector of the economy.
“Government is determined to fill the gap and consolidate on the achievements recorded and focus productivity enhancement, institutional realignment and private sector investment.
“Expectations are to deploy improved varieties and association said technology is and support agribusiness undertakings in the country.
“The expectations we have in agriculture to take Nigeria to the promise land could only be achieved when our researches are adaptive, focused to solving our challenges and needs and the entrepreneurs take deliberate actions to invest in the different agricultural value chains.
“The ministry, therefore, requires your contribution and support towards delivering in the above priorities areas, only then we will be able to address the impact of the global health emergency and the high expectation of present administration in agriculture.”
However, the minister pointed that there are challenges negatively impacting the sector.
“We understand the key challenges bedevilling our agricultural sector include slow transition to modern farming and value addition, limited access to farming inputs, finance, extension services and markets, and lack of synergy among different actors along the value chains.
“Why is sorghum not given the kind of priority like cassava and other crops are given? The time is now to do that, so I want the ministry to take note that sorghum is equally, in fact, a very important crop that should be given the same kind of attention too.
“The bottom-line in agriculture is research, development, collaboration, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation”, he added.
Also, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Ernest Umakhihe, in his speech said, “It is gratifying to note the potentials in crops, livestock and fisheries subsectors that are very enormous the prospects are to be deploying food varieties, associated technologies and support agribusiness undertakings in the country.
“The expectation we have in agriculture to take Nigeria to the Promised Land would only be achieved when our researches are adoptive, focused to solving our challenges, and the entrepreneurs take deliberately to different agricultural value chain.”
The Country Representative, International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Nigeria, Dr Hakeem Ajeigbe, expressed hope that with the research findings along the sorghum, groundnut and pearl millet value chains it will go a long way to boost the sector when included in policy formulation.
“The objectives of today’s are to share seed socio-economic studies, end of year project that was implemented by ICRISAT which was funded by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, to provide evidence to be used in policy actions in the agricultural and related sectors”, he said.

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Forum Expresses Confidence In APC Candidates’ Performance In Rivers

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The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.

By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi

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Okafor, Eminent Nigerians Celebrate Osagwe-Ogo At 70

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Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.

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Fubara Commended For Sustaining Peace In Rivers As Sirawoo Receives Democracy Day Recognition

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Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.

By: Jessica Sambol

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