Agriculture
NEPC begins geographic mapping of rice production in Kebbi
As part of its national strategic products for sustainable export, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has begun geographic mapping of rice production in Kebbi State.
The Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the NEPC, Dr Ezra Yakusak, disclosed this at an interactive session on rice production in Birnin Kebbi on Thursday.
He said that the event was not only important but also critical at this time when the nation is dependent on the non-oil sector to improve the economy.
“According to the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN), with the current production rate, Nigeria was poised to become a rice exporting country.
“Nigeria’s local rice production increased from two million tonnes in 2015 to nine million tonnes in 2021.
“Rice is critical in Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda and the council will continue to work with the critical stakeholders.
“This is to reposition the sub-sector in the quest to diversify the economy through the exportation of rice,” he said.
Yakusak, represented by Abubakar Shuaibu, an Assistant Director, Product Development Department, said that the programme would be another platform for stakeholders to gain new knowledge and skills to improve their production.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, State Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Alhaji Ahmed Yarima, said that the state government was working tirelessly in collaboration with the NEPC to see derivable opportunities for indigenes of the state.
“Kebbi is a home of rice production; various efforts have been put to see that we are self-sufficient in rice production.
“Research has shown that the state can feed the country and by ongoing revolution in rice production, we can prove that with collaborative efforts of all the stakeholders in rice production, ” he said.
Yarima called on entrepreneurs to take advantage of NEPC to register as exporters to reap the benefits of exporting goods.
(NAN)
NEPC begins geographic mapping of rice production in Kebbi
The Borno Government has announced the creation of Ministry of Livestock and Fishery Development to align its
Development strategy with Federal Government initiatives, and boost the state’s economic potential.
Gov. Babagana Zulum made the announcement on Tuesday during the swearing in of two commissioners at the council chambers of the Government House.
Zulum underscored the importance of livestock and fisheries as vital sectors with untapped revenue potential.
He emphasised that the new ministry would focus on high-yield livestock breeds, milk production and fisheries, targeting both domestic consumption and export opportunities.
The governor said that “no state government can make substantial money in livestock alone, but we believe with the right investment and political will, the sector can generate significant revenue.”
He said that the growing demand for milk by yogurt companies and the proximity of Maiduguri to Asian and Arab markets, are great opportunities for dairy exportation.
The governor, therefore, assigned the Deputy Governor, Dr Umar Kadafur, to oversee the activities of the new ministry, citing his practical experience and passion for livestock development.
He said “livestock development is not just about academic qualifications, it is about practice and the deputy governor has demonstrated capability in that regard.”
According to him, the ministry will prioritise procuring high-yielding livestock varieties, enhancing milk production and creating sustainable rural projects to support
Local communities.
He said that projects in Mafa, Gajiram and in Southern Borno will soon be launched under the new ministry’s purview.
The governor urged civil servants and ministry personnel to take ownership of the new initiative, adding that the ministry’s success would contribute to the states
Long-term economic stability and self-reliance.
The Port Harcourt Refinery, managed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) through the Port Harcourt Refining Company Limited (PHRC) has commenced operations after undergoing rehabilitation and modernisation.
The refinery with 210,000 bpd refining capacity located at Alesa, Eleme, in Port Harcourt, comprises two operational units which were established in 1965 and 1989.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the old plant refines a capacity of 60,000 barrels per day (bpd), while the new plant refines 150,000 bpd.
It would be recalled that the Federal Government, under former President, Muhammadu Buhari, had in March 2021 secured a 1.5 billion dollars loan to rehabilitate the facility which contract was awarded to an Italian firm, Tecnimont S.P.A, a subsidiary of Maire Tecnimont Group.
NAN) reports that Malam Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd. is leading the team to inspect the first lifting of petroleum product from the facility after its rehabilitation.
Alia appoints head of agric company, others
Gov. Hyacinth Alia has approved the appointment of Mr. Donald Aorkwagh Akule as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Benue State Agricultural Development Company (ADC).
The governor also approved the appointment of Dr Aondoakaa Asambe as Principal Special Assistant (PSA) on Livestock Development and Animal Transboundary Disease Control.
The appointments were announced in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Sir Tersoo Kula, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Makurdi on Friday.
According to the statement, the governor also appointed Mr Abraham Agogo as Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Community Mobilisation.
The statement added that the appointments take immediate effect.
It said that Akule brings over 15 years of experience in agricultural systems, community development, research and development, and food processing.
He holds a B.Sc. in Food Science and Technology from Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, and is a Certified Fellow in Agricultural Systems Development under USAID and Lagos Business School.
Meanwhile, Asambe, a member of the Nigeria Veterinary Medical Association and a registered veterinary surgeon with the Veterinary Council of Nigeria, has been a lecturer at Federal University, Dutsima, for the past 12 years.
He holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Agriculture, Makurdi (now Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi).
He also holds a postgraduate degree in Food Animal Medicine at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
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