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Niger Delta

RIFAN Lauds Delta For Training 90 Rice Farmers

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4 years ago

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The Delta Chapter of the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN) has lauded Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa for training no fewer than 90 rice farmers in the state, ahead of the 2022 farming season.
The RIFAN State Chairman, Chief Sylvanus Ejezie gave the commendation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday, in Asaba.
He said that the training was apt to get farmers ready and to adopt best practices in the cultivation of rice, to ensure high quality yield.
According to Ejezie, adequate knowledge of the soil texture and of the environment was necessary for farmers to understand their terrain and navigate through it to escape the impacts of flood and drought.
“I want to appreciate His Excellency, Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa and the state Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, for training no fewer than 90 rice farmers on best practices of production recently, ahead of this year’s planting season.
“The trained farmers are expected to cultivate about 180 hectares of land for rice production across the state.
“Besides, the state government has provided a loan support to the farmers and had pledged to off-set 30 per cent of the total costs per hectare to encourage the farmers ,” Ejezie said.
He, however, blamed the low harvest of paddy rice in the state on farmers’ lack of adequate knowledge of their environment and inadequate farmer support.
Government needed to also support the farmers by opening up farm lands and land preparations, among others, to enhance production so as to address the rising demand for rice in the state, he added.
“Our farmers are yet to understand the terrain of the land where they farm.
More so, the farmers face either flood or drought each farming season, which informs why we have not been able to produce enough paddy rice to meet the demands of the off-takers and the millers in the state.
“ Before now, we talk about flood challenges, but last year it was the issue of drought, and our farmers were terribly affected otherwise, we would have had enough supplies last year, to meet the demands of our off-takers.
“In addition to that, we need government assistance in the area of machinery, as at today, the state does not have combine harvester, not enough tractors for land preparation and no seed planter, among others.
“ All these and more are setbacks to rice cultivation and harvests in the state.
“So, if government can help us to prepare at least 2,000 hectares of land with irrigation facilities at various locations across the state, we can farm rice twice a year and by so doing produce more paddy for the millers in the state,” he said.
On the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Anchor Borrowers Programme, Ejezie said that the association was yet to receive inputs supply for the 2022 farming season.
According to him, members were supposed to have started planting this year but they were yet to receive their inputs from the national RIFAN for this farming season.

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Niger Delta

Oborevwori Launches Medical Outreach For Children With Special Needs

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7 days ago

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February 16, 2026

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The Wife of Delta State Governor, Mrs. Tobore Oborevwori, has launched a free medical outreach for children with special needs in Delta South.
The event, which attracted scores of caregivers, medical professionals, and government functionaries, took place at Dom Domingos College, Warri.
It was organised by the governor’s wife’s pet project, “You Matter Charity Foundation”, in partnership with the State Ministry of Health.
In a speech at the event, Oborevwori said the initiative sought to promote public awareness about autism and other notable infants’ developmental conditions.
She said the programme also aimed ”to eliminate stigma and encourage inclusion of persons living with disabilities.”
According to her, the outreach is structured to cover the state’s three senatorial districts.
She noted that the programme took place earlier in Ughelli, Delta Central, where beneficiaries received medications and assistive devices, including educational materials to support learning among children with special needs.
Oborevwori, who thanked residents and local government chairmen in Delta South for their cooperation, also commended the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, and medical teams for their dedication to the success of the programme.
She admonished parents and caregivers to continue to show patience, compassion, and understanding towards children with special needs.
The Tide’s source reports that health workers from the ministry and Primary Healthcare Development Agency participated in the programme.
In her remark, the Director-General of the foundation, Mrs. Lawrentta Ogbedo, said the outreach would reduce financial pressure on families that have children with special needs.
She underscored the importance of early diagnosis and consistent medical attention for such children.
The Chairman of Warri South LGA, Mr. Isaac Agbateyiniro, thanked the governor’s wife for the initiative, and described her kind intervention as ”timely and beneficial to struggling families”.
Also, the Chairman, Post Primary Education Board, Mr. Samuel Mariere, applauded the foundation’s effort in extending support to children with special needs in society.
Mariere said the programme had provided hope and practical support to many households.
The source reports that the event featured free medical consultations and treatment for children.
Also, health experts delivered talks on autism awareness, care strategies, and social acceptance.
Participants were also enlightened on the legal protections against discrimination for persons with disabilities.
Other highlights included the distribution of wheelchairs, medications, and assistive materials, among other items, to the beneficiaries.
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Niger Delta

UniCal Commits To Nursing Education Dev In C’River 

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7 days ago

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February 16, 2026

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The Vice Chancellor, University of Calabar (UniCal), Prof. Offiong  Offiong,  has reiterated the institution’s commitment towards supporting the growth of nursing education in the state.
Offiong, who made the statement recently in Calabar when members of the Basic Nursing and Midwifery Sciences Certificate Affiliation Committee visited him in his office, said as a federal university located in Cross River State, the institution would remain committed to the development of the state and the wellbeing of its residents.
The Vice Chancellor said UniCal would strategically collaborate with the state government to ensure improved healthcare education, professional training and standards.
“I commend the state government for expanding nursing institutions, this development has stimulated youth interest in health-related careers.
“We shall revisit the affiliation process to ensure compliance with national and international academic standards,” he said.
Offiong continued that curriculum review, adequate academic staffing and strict quality assurance measures would be given priority attention in the process.
He urged the state government to provide logistics support to students undertaking clinical postings in health facilities.
Leader of the delegation, Dr. Henry Ayuk, congratulated Offiong on his appointment as the Vice Chancellor of the university.
Ayuk, who’s also the Commissioner for Health in the State, commended the university for its contributions to the growth of the health sector.
He said the Bassey Otu-led government was committed to deepening collaboration with the university in order to strengthen nursing education and healthcare delivery.
The team leader expressed optimism that the partnership would boost professional training, institutional development and healthcare outcomes in the state.
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Niger Delta

Agency Demolishes Illegal Roadside Structures In Delta N8 by … Clears Street Traders

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7 days ago

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February 16, 2026

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The Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency has commenced the removal of illegal roadside structures and street traders across Asaba.
The enforcement drive targeted areas where traders and makeshift stalls have taken over roads, walkways and drainage channels.
Speaking during the exercise, the Director-General of the agency, Mr. Patrick Ukah, said the action was necessary due to the growing safety concerns caused by unchecked roadside trading.
Ukah said the action formed part of a broader urban renewal programme aimed at improving sanitation, reducing traffic congestion and enhancing road safety.
He noted that the activities had disrupted traffic flow and exposed motorists and pedestrians to avoidable dangers.
According to him, the agency’s action is not directed at individuals but aimed at restoring order and enforcing existing regulations.
Ukah warned that the agency would not tolerate activities that deface the capital or threaten public safety.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to maintaining a clean, safe and orderly capital, saying a well-managed Asaba remains vital to the image of the state and its development.
Urging affected traders to relocate to approved government markets across the city, Ukah said the operation would continue and might be extended to other locations if violations persist.
Major locations affected include Akpu Junction, Marble Hill Junction, and the Arcade near Ogbeogonogo Market.
The Tide’s source reports that in addition to dismantling illegal structures, the agency intensified sanitation efforts along major roads.
Special attention was given to the Mammy Market and Traffic Light axis of Asaba to sustain cleanliness.
The agency’s Head of Environment, Mr. Isaac Nwosu, said the teams would ensure compliance and prevent a return of illegal roadside activities.
Nwosu called on residents and traders to support the agency by adhering to environmental regulations.
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