News
‘FG/IFAD’s VCDP On Track To Reduce N6bn Rice Import Bill’
The National Coordinator, Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), Dr Fatima Aliyu, has disclosed that the Federal Government of Nigeria and International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), is on track to reduce the N6billion spent annually on rice importation.
Aliyu, represented by the Knowledge Communication and Advisor, VCDP, Vera Onyeka-Onyilo, made the disclosure in her address at a media interaction christened ‘Media Roundtable’ held in Lafia, Nasarawa State, while explaining necessity to disseminate accurate information via reportage about the programme that has transformed lives of Nigerians participating in the programme.
She said the VCDP is a programme of the Federal Government of Nigeria and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and this made it important to ensure proper understanding and involvement of Nigerians through the media as the impact of the VCDP has transformed lives of Nigerians in the participating states and local government areas.
According to her, the essence of VCDP by the Federal Government is to drastically reduce importation of rice and other commodities.
She said: “The Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), is a Programme of the Federal Government of Nigeria and the International Fund Development (IFAD), we are holding this interaction because we value the contributions of the media to development.
“We value the contributions of the media when it comes to increasing the agenda for women and youth in agriculture, in supporting the government of Nigeria in creating awareness on specific interventions that have been done in the agricultural sector.
“In VCDP, we felt the importance that we come together to engage with you our media partners to see the enormous contributions when it comes to increase visibility and awareness.
“The VCDP mandate and rational is that the Federal Government of Nigeria sought to reduce import (import substitution) and cut down over N6billion spent on rice importation annually.
“The VCDP was designed in 2010 and 2011 to enhance the productivity and profitability of smallholder farmers and small and medium agro processors by; improving their access to markets and capacity to increase yield as well as add value to locally produced raw materials through improved processing and packaging; and Rice and Cassava (staple and cash crops) contribute significantly to income and household food security in rural areas.”
She further stated that the media is needed in order for the objectives of the VCDP are achieved by cooperation and support for VCDP activities as well giving critical feedback where and when necessary.
Meanwhile, resource person and Head, Agricultural Desk, Daily Trust, Vincent Yusuf, while expressing his experience with VCDP, urged journalists to show interest and beam their reportage on the agricultural sector as a whole lot is happening positively as lives of farmers are improving based on increased income and profitability.
Yusuf said, his reportage on the sector the years has endeared him to the sector, which himself is now a proud farmer, and with his commitment to the sector he had several opportunities to improve himself and his performance on the job.
Meanwhile, journalists were taken to the field to see impact of VCDP in Nasarawa State, where they interacted with beneficiaries.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
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