News
Makinde Commends Institute On Innovative Solutions To Food Security
The Executive Governor of Oyo State, Oluseyi Makinde, has commended the efforts of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) for development of various innovations to boost food security.
The Governor who was represented by Commissioner for Agriculture, Oyo State, Mr Adeniyi Adebisi, stated this at the 2022 Farmers’ Field Day organised by CRIN on Tuesday in Ibadan.
The Farmers’ Field Day 2022 had the theme: “Dissemination of CRIN Developed Technologies to Boost Nutrition and Food Security.”
Makinde said that the theme and initiative of hosting the farmers were crucial as it gave opportunities for farmers and relevant institutions to showcase their discoveries to the world.
This, he said, would bring collaborations to push food production and value additions to the next level.
Makinde said that CRIN developed technologies on its mandate crops namely cocoa, cashew, coffee, kola and tea would invariably have positive impacts on the prevailing economic situation of the country.
He added that it would improve the livelihood of the farmers and other stakeholders.
Makinde said that his administration would continue to build on good relationship between the CRIN and Oyo State Government in the areas of tree crop seedlings supply and other CRIN developed technologies.
Also speaking, the Executive Director, CRIN, Dr Patrick Adebola, said that the Farmers’ Field Day was an annual event organised by the institute to interact with farmers growing its five mandate crops.
Adebola said that the event was organised to show the farmers the results of the institute’s research and to know the problems and challenges they were facing in growing the crops.
He added that the event was aimed at displaying some of the innovation in nutrition developed by the institute.
“We don’t do research in isolation and we don’t do research for the sake of doing it, this event gives us opportunities to align our research to solve the challenges that farmers are facing,” he said.
He added that CRIN technologies were also developed for entrepreneurs to buy into it for commercialisation which would translate to economic development of the country.
He urged government to focus more on agricultural sector to proffer solutions to the current food shortage facing the nation by providing necessary farm inputs to farmers directly and not through intermediary that are not real farmers.
Adebola also called on government to earness huge opportunities in the cashew industry.
He said that cashew could grow in all states in the country, noting that its juice and nuts could generate huge economic benefits for the nation.
In his goodwill message, the National President, Cashew Famers Association of Nigeria, Mr Joseph Ajanaku, represented by a member, Mrs Adijat Asifa, called on government to do more in provision of farm inputs and training to the farmers.
In the same vein, Mr Osifeso Sunday, the National President, Kolanut Farmers Association, said that the growth of sector was not encouraging.
Sunday called on government to invest more in tree crops farming considering its economic benefits.
Earlier, the Head of Extension Section, CRIN, Mr Anthony Agbongiarhuoyi, called on cooperative societies and other small groups to take advantage of CRIN improved technologies products to empower their members.
Agbongiarhuoyi said that the process of accessing the products was simple.
The Head, Economics and Extension Department, CRIN, Dr Justina Lawal, noted that research results and CRIN improved technologies were available for translation into practice among investors and industrialists in order to improve production and social-economic life of the people.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event featured the exhibitions of the CRIN technologies such as cocoa bread, cola and voffee wine, black soap and products from others research institutions, organisations and farmers associations, among others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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
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.
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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