Niger Delta
C’River Urges experts to explore new technologies to transform agriculture
Cross River State Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Mr. Johnson Ebokpo, has urged agriculture experts to explore new technologies, share data, co-design interventions to transform agriculture in the South-South region.
He made the remark at the 14th Steering Committee meeting of the South-South Agro-Ecological Zone of the Research Extension, Farmer Input Linkage System (REFILS) in Calabar.
The summit, themed: “Strengthening stakeholder linkages for improved food security”, brought together researchers, extension officers, farmer organisations, input suppliers, development partners, and government officials across the zone.
The Tide’s source reports that the agriculture experts converged to brainstorm on ways to address Nigeria’s growing food insecurity.
Declaring the meeting open, Ebokpo underscored the importance of the REFILS platform in bridging the gap between innovation and implementation in the agricultural sector.
According to Ebokpo, it was the first time in over a decade that Cross River was hosting the all important agricultural meeting.
While stressing the need for a coordinated approach, he noted that even the best interventions would fail if stakeholder linkages were weak or fragmented.
“I urge all participants to explore new technologies, share data, co-design interventions, and forge partnerships that will drive agricultural transformation across the zone”, he said.
The Commissioner, however, enumerated some of the agricultural interventions in Cross River which included the distribution of 77 motorbikes to strengthen extension services across the state.
Others were the procurement and distribution of 3.5 million sprouted oil palm nuts from Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR), cocoa rehabilitation efforts, Project Grow among other initiatives.
Similarly, the Programme Manager, Cross River Agricultural Development Programme (CRADP), Mr. Bassey Emogor, commended stakeholders for their dedication to agricultural progress in the South-South and Nigeria at large.
He added that the forum served as a platform for them to deliberate on critical issues facing Nigeria’s agricultural landscape and to collectively explore innovative solutions for sustainable development.
On his part, the Zonal Coordinator for the South-South Zone of NIFOR, Dr. Olusegun Solomon, decried the poor participation of states in the zone due to lack of funding.
“For this very important meeting, only three of six South-South states are represented, Akwa Ibom and Delta are conspicuously absent.
“There is no way you can have food security without bringing together research institutions, farmers, and input agencies; the linkage we are talking about is critical”, he said.
He called on South-South governors to prioritise funding for agricultural development programmes, especially the ADPs which, he described, as vital vehicles for delivering innovations to farmers.
###
Continue Reading
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.
-
Politics5 days agoRivers Assembly Resumes Sitting After Six-Month Suspension
-
Sports5 days ago
RSG Pledges To Develop Baseball
-
Featured5 days agoPANDEF Hails Tinubu For Lifting Emergency Rule In Rivers
-
News5 days ago
KenPoly Governing Council Decries Inadequate Power Supply, Poor Infrastructure On Campus
-
News5 days agoFubara’s Return: Rivers Elders, Women Call For Unity, Hail Tinubu
-
News5 days agoFAAC Disburses N2.225trn For August, Highest In Nigeria
-
News5 days agoFG Ends Passport Production At Multiple Centres After 62 Years
-
Rivers5 days ago
RIVCHPP Mulls Plan For Universal Health Coverage In Rivers