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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 23 For OK & P-BAT Movement, a political pressure group championing the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the governorship ambition of Honourable Ogundu Kingsley Chinda across the 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State ahead of the 2027 elections, has congratulated both leaders on their victories at the recently concluded All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries.
In a statement issued by the National Coordinator, Amb. Goodluck Braide, who also doubles as the President of the Renewed Hope Multi-Purpose Co-Operative Limited, President Tinubu’s victory at the APC presidential primaries in Rivers State was described as a reflection of his growing popularity and acceptance among Nigerians. The group noted that since assuming office in 2023, the President has implemented bold economic reforms aimed at repositioning the country for sustainable growth, prosperity, and national development.
According to the group, the outcome of the primaries is an indication of what to expect in the 2027 general elections.
The group also congratulated Honourable Ogundu Kingsley Chinda on his emergence as the APC governorship flag bearer in Rivers State, describing the primary election process as peaceful, transparent, free, and fair. It stated that Chinda’s emergence signals increasing political unity among Rivers people across ethnic and political divides.
According to the movement, the APC made a strategic and wise decision in presenting Chinda as its governorship candidate, citing his leadership experience, competence, charisma, and proven capacity as qualities that position the party for victory in the forthcoming governorship election in the state.
Amb. Goodluck Braide, National Coordinator
The statement further acknowledged the role of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, praising his political foresight, resilience, and commitment to maintaining unity within the political structure in Rivers State while ensuring the state remains relevant in national politics.
The group equally commended the leadership of the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentanwe Yilwatda, noting that under his leadership since July 2025, the party has witnessed renewed strength, unity, and political growth ahead of the 2027 elections.
It also congratulated the people of Rivers State and Nigerians generally for their continued support and confidence in the Tinubu administration, which it said has made notable progress in promoting national cohesion, social integration, and economic development.
The Rivers State Government has commended the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) for its outstanding contributions to the development of Rivers State, particularly in the areas of peacebuilding, education, healthcare, and moral development.
Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, stated that the Church has remained a dependable partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, moral discipline, and social harmony across society.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, made the remarks during the thanksgiving service marking the 30th Anniversary and First Session of the 11th Synod of the Diocese of Niger Delta North, held at St. Peter’s Anglican Church on Sunday.
Governor Fubara described the Synod’s theme, “Kingdom Advancement: The Priority of Every Believer,” as timely and relevant, considering the prevailing realities in society.
According to him, the Church continues to play a vital role in shaping societal values and inspiring hope among citizens.
“The Church remains a vital partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, and moral discipline. Its role in shaping values and inspiring hope cannot be overemphasized,” he stated.
The Governor further acknowledged the Anglican Communion’s contributions in education, healthcare delivery, youth empowerment, humanitarian services, and spiritual guidance across communities in Rivers State.
“The Rivers State Government appreciates the invaluable contributions of the Anglican Communion in education, healthcare, youth development, humanitarian support, and spiritual guidance. Your impact across communities in Rivers State continues to strengthen families and promote peaceful coexistence among our people,” he added.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a peaceful, united, and prosperous Rivers State where all citizens can thrive irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or social background.
He also urged the Synod to continue praying for sustainable development and progress in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
Earlier in his sermon, the Guest Minister, Joseph Olushola, spoke on the topic, “Kingdom Investment and Internal Rewards,” urging Christians to remain faithful stewards of God’s blessings and committed to advancing God’s kingdom through service and generosity.
The cleric emphasized that believers are custodians of the virtues and resources entrusted to them by God, stressing that divine rewards are based on faithfulness and impact rather than material possessions.
The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.
The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.
Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.
According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.
He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.
“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.
Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.
He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.
Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.
Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.
He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.
According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.
Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.
He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.
The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.
By; Kevin Nengia
