Niger Delta
C’River Distributes 2m Improved Cocoa Seedlings To Farmers
The Cross River State Government has distributed over two million improved varieties of cocoa seedlings to farmers in the seven local government areas in the South Senatorial districts of the state.
Distributing the seedlings to the beneficiaries, the Special Adviser to Governor Ben Ayade on Cocoa Development/Control, Dr. Oscar Ofuka, stated that with number of farmers that had gone fully into cultivation of cocoa cash crop in the three senatorial districts of the state, the State, is placing itself in a better position to multiply the tonnes of cocoa to be produced in the state.
Stating that with the massive cultivation and incentives through seedlings distribution, the state stands in a proper position to be ranked as highest cocoa producing state in Nigeria in the nearest future, Ofuka maintained that the initiative is to ensure that the State meets up with the state governor’s desire of ensuring that the state becomes the highest cocoa producing state in Nigeria and be included in world cocoa world map, just like Brazil and Cote’Ivore.
Ofuka, who was with the Chairman of Bakassi Local Government Area, Mr. Iyadim Iyadim, at the flag-off ceremony in Calabar maintained that by the attainment of such feat, the state would have succeeded automatically in writing her name in the cocoa world map.
On why he decided to distribute the cash crop seedlings to the Southern senatorial district, the governor’s aide stated that research on ground shows that cocoa is one crop that can do well any where across the three senatorial districts of the state and urged farmers in the state not to relent in the cultivation of the cash crop to boost, not only their personal income, but the entire economy of the state.
He charged the council chairmen of the beneficiary seven local government areas of the state to go fully into cocoa cultivation, if they are interested in enlarging their coast, as cocoa is the next gold that can easily change one’s financial and economic status.
Ofuka stated that with many going fully into cocoa cultivation across the three senatorial districts of the state, the ultra modern cocoa factory, which is currently undergoing construction by the state government, would not lack raw materials to fulfill the main purpose for which the factory was established.
He said, “I tell you, with just 50 per cent of the state populace owning their own personal farms, poverty would have become a thing of the past.
“This issue of young school leavers roaming the streets of the state capital and other big cities of the nation would no longer be experienced.
“Owning a cocoa farm of your own, you would have automatically transformed yourself to employment generator, rather than one who seeks for employment opportunity, as cocoa plantation remains an employment provider.”
By: Friday Nwagbara, Calabar
The Head of Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba, has charged the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (NAOMEW) World Wide, to be committed to professionalism, patriotism and effective service delivery in the discharge of their duties and rendering of patriotic gestures.
Mrs Gbaraba gave the charge yesterday when the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter paid her a courtesy call in her office in Port Harcourt.
She expressed deep appreciation for the visit, and assured the Association of her commitment to being a worthy Ogoni Ambassador like late Mr Augustine Nwikinaka, former General Manager of the corporation, to promote the fortunes of the corporation, while counting on their unflinching encouragement, prayers and support to succeed.
“ I am very happy to receive the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (The Tide Chapter) today in my office. I am glad you people came to my office, for those that know me in a short while in the corporation, I am a serious-minded person. I heard that the time the corporation was functioning well was under the leadership of late Austin Nwikinaka. Any where I go to, I will rather come down and show working example and that is what the Ogoni person is known for. So I am always proud to associate myself with an Ogoni man, so your support means so much to me,” Mrs Gbaraba said.
She assured them of running an open-door policy in the management of the corporation, and urged stronger partnership between NAOMEW, other unions, interest groups, corporate organisations, institutions and the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation in professional service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter, the National Secretary of the association, Comrade Taneh Beemene welcomed her into The Tide family and also congratulated her on her very important appointment.
Taneh, who expressed confidence in her experience and abilities to deliver on her assignments, thanked her for the uncommon feats recorded in the corporation within her brief leadership. He said the corporation has been revived from its comatose status that predated her appointment.
“ Within your short time, you have given the corporation a remarkable facelift. We pray that God should give you the enablement to restore the dignity of the corporation. We have come to inform you that we are solidly behind you and will make our untiring contributions to make you succeed, “ he stated.
In his vote of thanks and closing remarks, the Chairman, National Union of Printing, Publishing and Paper Production Workers (NUPPPPROW), Comrade Keyirale Donatus Nwiueh thanked the Head of the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba for receiving the association in a warm manner, adding that she should count on the support of the association to succeed.
Kiadum Edookor
Niger Delta
OBALGA Sole Administrator Presents Brand New Fire Extinguishers To Council …Commiserates With Traders Over Rumuomasi Market Fire Incident …Commences Desilting Of Drainages
The Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has presented 150 brand new fire extinguishers to the council.
Dr Walter who spoke to newsmen at the council premises at Rumuodumanya said the gesture was part of measures by his administration to ensure safety of lives and council property from unforeseen fire incidents.
He urged the staff of the council to ensure the safety of the extinguishers, while promising to engage experts to teach them how to handle and operate the extinguishers.
Meanwhile, Sole Administrator of Obio Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has commiserated with traders at the Rumuomasi Market over the unfortunate fire incident that gutted parts of the market.
Dr Walter who visited the market to assess the level of damage caused by the fire, described it as unfortunate
Addressing the crowd of distressed traders and community members, Dr. Walter acknowledged the historical significance of the market, which was originally built under the administration of the former Obio/Akpor Chairman and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON.
He noted that preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault, though a full investigation is still underway.
“As a local government, we will constitute a thorough investigation team to determine the root cause of the fire,
“Most importantly, we thank God that no lives were lost. I want to assure our traders that the Local Government will not abandon you.
“We will also work with security operatives to safeguard salvaged goods and prevent further losses,” he said.
He encouraged traders to adopt stricter safety measures, especially concerning electrical appliances in markets prone to fire hazards.
“There are many ways fires can ignite, even without an open flame. Let us all be vigilant and prioritise safety,” he cautioned.
Dr. Walter also commended those who stepped in to assist during the emergency.
“We are grateful to all who helped salvage goods and support affected persons during the crisis. Your kindness embodies the spirit of Obio/Akpor. The forthcoming investigation will help us put preventive structures in place,” he said.
The Chairman of the market, Mr. Prince Adele, who accompanied Dr. Walter, during the inspection, identified K-Lane as the most severely affected area.
A statement by the information officer to the council, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said no incident of death was reported by the traders during the visit.
In another development, the Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor local government council, Sir Clifford Ndu Walter, has commenced a comprehensive canal clearance campaign with a view to identifying and removal of all blockages including illegal structures hindering the free flow of waters in the area.
A statement from the council Press Secretary, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said during the inspection of key canals in the area, several unauthorised barricades and blockages were discovered and removed.
According to the statement, Dr Walter emphasised that illegal dumping, unapproved structures and poor drainage habits endanger communities and undermine government efforts, adding that his administration is committed to protecting lives and property of the citizens.
It said the Sole Administrator also declared his readiness to ensure that all canals and drainages are cleaned, maintained and functioning effectively.
He also warned against further dumping of waste in waterways, citing impending flooding.