Niger Delta

C’River Govt Applauds Fadama Project

Published

10 years ago

March 4, 2016

The Permanent Secretary,
Ministry of Agriculture, Cross River, Dr Francis Adie, said Fadama III project, under the World Bank Assisted Project, has improved the lives of millions of families in the state.
Adie stated this in Calabar on Tuesday at a stakeholders’ meeting during the Technical/Assessment visit by officials of National Fadama Coordinating Office, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Abuja.
He said that it was in view of the success of Fadama III project in the state that the immediate past administration decided to clear all outstanding counterpart funds from 2009 to 2013.
“We are happy with the implementation of Fadama III project in Cross River. Fadama III has touched the lives of millions of people in this state.
“Many farmers have formed various Cooperative Associations and Groups and this has paid off as many of them are presently doing very well in their trades.
“The ministry has not found them wanting, especially in the area of management of resources, “ he said.
The permanent secretary described Cross River as the number one producer of Cassava in the country, adding that it had comparative advantage in cassava production.
He further assured the team that the state government would guarantee total support for the implementation of Fadama III Additional Financing project in the state.
“You should not entertain any fear we are ready, and I can assure you that the state government is fully ready for its implementation, “ he said.
Speaking, Leader of the team, Dr Ben Herber, an Agric Business Specialist, said that the delegation was in the state to assess the level of preparedness of Cross River for the implementation of Fadama III (AF) project.
He added that the stakeholders’ meeting was designed to interact with all the stakeholders in the implementation of the project, including service providers, farmers, cassava growers and the state government.
“Cross River has since indicated their readiness to get the Additional Financing and we have considered them due to their performance in the implementation of Fadama III project.
“But, before we start the implementation proper, it is necessary that we interact with stakeholders, to tell them the processes and procedures of implementation, “ Herber said.
He said that the Bank and the Federal Government were ready and only interested in dealing with genuine farmers, and warned against politicians trying to hijack the project.
“This is business. We do not want to deal with political farmers; we want to deal directly with real farmers. If you are a political farmer, please go away, “ he said.
He said that Fadama III has been adjudged as the best rural project undertaken by the World Bank in recent time.
Mr Bassey Elemi, State Coordinator of Fadama III project, said that Cross River has over 345,000 hectares of cassava farmland across the 18 Local Government Areas of the state.
Elemi disclosed that through the successful implementation of Fadama III project in the state, N42 million was generated as revenue to the state government by the various Fadama Community Associations as personnel income tax.

Niger Delta

Uyo High Court Awards Damages To Masquerade Over Arrest

Published

15 hours ago

December 8, 2025

The Tide

A High Court in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, has awarded damages to a masquerade who was arrested by the State Police Command for allegedly disturbing public peace during traditional worship rites.

The arrest followed an executive order reportedly issued by the State Governor, directing the Commissioner of Police to detain any masquerade seen performing during the Yuletide period.

Acting on this directive, a masquerade, identified as Mr. Effiong, a practitioner of traditional worship, was arrested and subsequently charged to court.

In a landmark ruling, the court sided with Mr. Effiong and his custodian, affirming that Ekpo, a recognised traditional religious practice in Akwa Ibom State, is protected under the law, and that its adherents are entitled to the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution.

The judge held that Mr. Effiong’s arrest and detention violated his rights to personal liberty and freedom of religion.

The court ordered his immediate and unconditional release and directed the Akwa Ibom State Government to pay damages for the infringement of his fundamental human rights and freedom of worship.

Human rights experts have hailed the judgment as a significant affirmation of Nigeria’s constitutional protection of traditional religious practices, emphasising the importance of respecting the country’s cultural and religious diversity.

By: Enoch Epelle

Niger Delta

MOSIEND Seeks Water Projects In Buguma From NDDC … Urges RSG To Revamp Fish Farm

Published

15 hours ago

December 8, 2025

The Tide

The Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has called on the Management of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to embark on water projects in Buguma city in Asari Toru Local Government Area (ASALGA), Rivers State

The Group also called on the Rivers State government to revamp the Buguma fish farm to create employment for the teeming youths.

On the water project in Buguma, MOSIEND said the population of Buguma has increased tremendously and that the residents need more water projects to enhance the daily livelihood of the people.

The Group also appealed to the Chairman of the LGA to assist in making the project a reality and also attract more developmental projects to the LGA.

MOSIEND’s Eastern Zonal Coordinator, Half Hour, Comrade Tammy Bruce Longjohn, made the call on a radio programme in Rhythm 93.7fm, “Talk of the Town”.

LongJohn, who made the call alongside the Chairman of MOSIEND in Buguma, Mark Ojuka, and his counterpart in Obuama, Hon. Sandra Owunari, also called on the Management of Nigeria Liquidifed Natural Gas (NLNG) to embark on a free medical outreach in all Kalabari communities to improve their health status.

He appealed to NLNG to award scholarship to indigens of Kalabari communities in tertiary institutions to better their education, noting that the company is doing same in Bonny, while abandoning Kalabari communities

“We need contracts, free medicals, scholarships and employment, including skill acquisition programmes for our teeming youths in Kalabari extractions”, LongJohn stated.

On Security, Mark Ojuka said security in Buguma is at zero level with the help of the Amama soldiers, saying “the city is more peaceful and investor-friendly as the youths of the area have cordial relationship with the security agencies in the area.

“Security is very secured in Buguma clan”

On revamping the Buguma fish farm, he said, “The youths are asking for human capacity building in the area to reduce unemployment.

“The revamping of the Buguma fish farm will also reduce youth violence.”

By: Chinedu Wosu

Niger Delta

Make God Your Anchor To Fulfill Destiny, Cleric Charges Christians … As Jaja Marks 70th Birthday

Published

3 days ago

December 5, 2025

The Tide

The Lead Pastor at Jesus Appointed People’s Bible Church, Ozogbe, Ikwerrengwo-Etche, in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, Pastor Promise Nwaelele, has urged Christians to make God the anchor of their lives in whatever position they find themselves, in order to attain the destinies set for them by God.

Pastor Nwaelele, who gave the charge recently in a sermon he preached at the 70th birthday anniversary thanksgiving service of Sir Donald Michael Jaja, a veteran journalist in Rivers State, said this is because any genuine child of God is a permanent target for destabilization and destruction by the devil.

Taking his text from the Bible book of Mark 4:16-17, the preacher stated that fulfilment in life for a child of God required faith, obedience to God’s word, humility and grace to withstand trials and temptations.

According to him, temptations and afflictions are bound to happen in the lives of those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

“No wonder the Bible said that those that endure till the end shall be saved”, he said.

The Clergyman said God prospers believers who are humble, not proud and conceited, and leads them to destiny fulfilment.

“David said in Psalm 51:17, that the sacrifices acceptable to God are a broken spirit, not an impatient or proud spirit”, the preacher said.

He called on Christians not to allow persecutions and afflictions to sway them from the love and blessings of Jesus Christ.

On his part, Jaja, a seasoned Journalist who retired as an Acting Editor of the Rivers State Government-owned The Tide Newspaper, gave thanks to God for honouring him by giving him the grace of attaining 70 years.

“I cannot capture what the good Lord has done for me in my entire life in this fleeting moment of thanksgiving. But, I know that without Him, I wouldn’t have been who I am today, in all spheres. Therefore, my joy knows no bounds as I give thanks to my creator today, alongside my family. Praise be His holy name”, Jaja said.