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.
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Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has said his administration will continue to collaborate with the navy for effective protection of the waterways.
Otu stated this when the Commandant, Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) Victory, Commodore Shuaib Ahmed, visited him in Calabar.
The Governor described the visit as critical to consolidating the partnership between Cross River State and the navy.
“Peace and stability remain non-negotiable prerequisites for the progress of the state.
“So, this visit reaffirms our shared resolve to keep the state safe and secured through sustained collaboration,” he said.
Otu stated that security remained the foundation for meaningful development in every society.
“No society prospers in the midst of insecurity. As a state, our development vision depends on peace, order and collective vigilance,” he said.
The Governor commended the Navy for the level of professionalism being exuded by its personnel in the discharge of their duties.
He said the Navy’s efforts had hugely boosted investor confidence and strengthened the state’s economic environment.
The Governor assured the Navy of the state government’s continued support towards enhanced operation.
Earlier, Ahmed explained that the visit followed the military tradition of familiarizing with authorities upon assumption of duties.
He stated that it was crucial to align naval operations with the strategic priorities of the state government.
The naval chief thanked the state government for its support to the force, saying, “your support has helped us immensely in achieving targets”
The Commandant further said there was need to strengthen infrastructure and communication systems in order to address evolving security challenges.
“Operationalising key naval facilities will improve our capacity to tackle maritime crimes.
“The Navy is committed to supporting the state in ensuring the safety and security of the waterways.
“We shall continue to promote peace while enabling the residents to carry out their lawful activities without fear,” he said.
The Agbura Community of Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, has again lauded the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, and the Managing-Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, over infrastructure projects executed in the community.
Speaking with newsmen midweek in Yenagoa, its Chairman, Community Development Committee, Mr. Tribunal Egba, hailed the Governor for the successful completion of the abandoned Oxbow lake-Agbura Road project and others within the Community.
He also eulogized the NDDC MD for the construction of new lodge in the community for serving Corps members as well as plans to execute other projects.
Mr. Egba added that the completion of the Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road has given the community facelift, while also pleading with the government and the interventionist agency to award shore protection contract in the community to save it from the perennial floodings experienced in the fast urbanizing town.
Similarly, the community’s leadership has given assurances that it will continue to give priority to development and security of lives and property.
The CDC helmsman promised to strengthen the existing community vigilante group, while also stressing that the age-long synergy between the community and security agencies would be improved upon to get rid of crime and criminalities in the area.
“As a community, we’re so thankful to Governor Diri for constructing the abandoned Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road project. We’re also glad with the level of infrastructural development ongoing in other parts of the state, courtesy of the Diri-led administration.
“We also like to laud the MD/CEO, NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku for the construction of a befitting Corpers lodge for Corps members serving in this community.
“Our priority as a community now is to protect these infrastructure projects. We’ll continue to work in synergy with all security agencies to make sure there’s peace and development”, the CDC leadership said.
By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
Delta State Government has expressed deep sadness over the sudden death of Mr. Sunny Kotor, Senior Special Assistant on Protocol to the State Government.
Kotor, a renowned Master of Ceremony at state functions, reportedly slumped and passed away last Friday.
In a statement signed by the Delta State Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, in Warri on Saturday, his passing was described as “a profound loss; not only to his family, but to the Government and people of Delta State who benefited immensely from his professionalism, composure, and unmistakable presence at official engagements.
“He brought dignity, structure, and excellence to every function he handled, leaving behind a standard that will be difficult to forget,” the statement added.
The Commissioner noted that “every passing is indeed a sobering reminder of how fragile and fleeting life can be,” extending heartfelt condolences to Kotor’s family, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of working with him.
The statement prayed that God would grant them the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
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