Niger Delta
LIFE-ND Inaugurate Agric Forum To Boost Jobs, Farming In Bayelsa
A Federal Government intervention project, Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises, Niger Delta (LIFE-ND), has launched the Agribusiness Innovative Forum (LAbIF) to create jobs and empower farmers in Bayelsa.
LIFE-ND is funded by the Federal Government, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), in collaboration with the Bayelsa government.
Speaking at the event in Yenagoa, the State Project Coordinator, LIFE-ND, Dr. Panebi Ugo, hinted that agribusiness had become central to Nigeria’s economy.
Ugo was represented by Mr. Diweri Akah, Knowledge Management and Communication Officer, LIFE ND, Bayelsa.
Ugo said the platform was a culmination of efforts by their organisation in conjunction with various stakeholders to provide a conducive environment for innovation and entrepreneurship.
“The LiFE ND agribusiness innovation forum is conceived to support our beneficiaries, agriprenuers and other stakeholders in the agricultural value chain.
“The forum will provide access to finance, market and training as well as foster collaboration and knowledge sharing amongst stakeholders.
“Our goal is to create a vibrant agricultural ecosystem in Bayelsa State driven by innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable practice.
“We believe that the platform will play a critical role in achieving this goal and contribute to the economic development of our dear state.
“The programme is also in tandem with the ASSURED agenda of Governor Douye Diri government, whose priorities are sustainable agricultural services.
“The programme will help the state’s economic development, infrastructure, human development and good governance to the people.
“Let me use this opportunity to thank our Governor, His Excellency Douye Diri for his unwavering support to this noble project”, Ugo said.
He lauded the support of the project partners and stakeholders for making it a success.
On his part, Mr Clement Uwem, Rural Institute Coordinator, LIFE-ND, said that the launch of LAbIF was an excellent opportunity for a maximum benefit from agro-business.
He said that the agribusiness represented a multi stakeholders platform for off takers.
In her speech, Mrs Syvia Adeneye, Coordinator Nigeria Promotion Export Council, said the council was committed to penetrate the international market and keep standard for exported goods.
She said that the council’s target in Bayelsa was seafood to penetrate the international market at any given time.
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The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Mr. Monday Agbonika, has vowed to hunt down and bring to justice those behind the killing of eight NSCDC operatives in the State.
Agbonika gave the assurance on Tuesday during an on-the-spot assessment of the attack scene, which also involved the abduction of a Chinese national.
Describing the incident as “a dastardly act that will not go unpunished”, the Commissioner expressed condolences to the Edo State Command of the NSCDC.
He paid tribute to the fallen operatives, describing them as “gallant personnel who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.”
“We stand in solidarity with the NSCDC in this grief. Their sacrifice will not be in vain, and Edo people should expect justice”, Agbonika said.
In a separate meeting with Chinese community members at BUA Cement, Okpella, the police chief assured that efforts were ongoing to rescue the abducted expatriate alive.
“Our men are on the ground, and operations have been intensified. We are determined to rescue the kidnapped victim and prevent further incidents in the area”, he said.
Agbonika appealed for calm among residents, urging cooperation through timely and credible intelligence to aid ongoing security operations.
“Security is a collective responsibility. We call on residents to support us with information. Together, we will defeat criminals threatening Edo’s peace”, he added.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and properties, stressing that it would not relent until the attackers were arrested and justice delivered.
The Tide’s source reports that the Okpella attack occurred on Friday.
The Police Command in Delta State has arrested a suspected female illicit drugs dealer in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.
The command’s Spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Warri on Wednesday.
Edafe said the suspect was nabbed alongside her three apprentices on August 29 by the police operatives attached to the Ughelli Area Command.
He said the operatives carried out the raid following credible information on the activities of some individuals that indulged in the sale of illicit drugs within Afisere/Ughelli town.
“The operatives trailed and arrested a drug baron who operates a chemist store in Afisere Community alongside three of her apprentices.
“The suspect led the operatives to her house at Afisere and a search warrant was executed.
“Exhibits recovered from the suspects included: 355 bottles of CSC codeine, 57 rolls of 50MG tramadol capsules, 335 rolls of 100mg tramadol capsules.
“Others were: 33 rolls of 200mg super royal, seven backwoods, 540 sachets of swinol capsules and 16 cups of Canadian liquid cannabis”, he said.
The police spokesman said investigation further revealed that the suspect was a major dealer in illicit drugs in Ughelli and its environs.
Edafe added that investigation in the matter was ongoing.
The Cross River State House of Assembly has extended the suspension of the Bekwarra Council Chairman, Ms. Theresa Ushie, to 90 days.
Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. Elvert Ayambem, made the remark on Wednesday during plenary.
The Tide’s source recalls that Ushie was suspended on June 10 for three months on allegations of corruption, misconduct and abuse of power.
The suspension followed a petition from the Bekwarra Local Government Legislative Council, signed by eight of its members, who also attempted to impeach her.
Ayambem explained that the extension was to allow the House Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions and Conflict Resolution more time to investigate the petition written against the chairman by the Bekwarra Legislature.
The House had earlier deliberated on a motion calling for the extension of the office of the LGA Acting Chairman, Mr. Egbung Obama, before agreeing to extend Ushie’s suspension.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Investigative Committee and member, representing Abi State Constituency, Mr. Davies Etta, said the committee needed more time to carry out a thorough investigation.
Ushie was elected as Bekwarra Local Government Council Chairman and sworn-in in November 2024.
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