Business
Commissioner Tasks Contractors On Timeliness
The Rivers State Commissioner for Works, Hon. Dumnamene Dekor has charged contractors in the State to be time conscious in carrying out their construction works.
Dekor gave this charge during an inspection visit to Mgbuosimini, Rumueme and Okania-Ogbogoro Link road in Obio/Akpor and Ikwerre Local Government Areas of the state, Tuesday.
The commissioner noted that every construction in the state has a time unit and called on contractors to adhere to the time frame.
He called for synergy between contractors and youths in the host communities to make ongoing construction works ready for prompt delivery.
He admonished them saying, “I urge you to employ as many youths as you can… we are trying to engage the youths in the state in meaningful activities as to reduce crime rate to zero level.”
He charge the host communities where projects are sited to join hands with the state government in sustaining the dividends of democracy in the state.
While reiterating government’s determination in delivering quality jobs in the state for the benefit of the people, the commissioner commended the contractor handling the Omuokiri-Omuoko-Omuwhechi road in Aluu on the level of work in the two weeks of mobilising to site.
According to him, “I am – impressed at what I see on site today, but I charge them to employ more man power to enable them deliver more efficient work in due time.”
Tonye Nria-Dappa
Business
NCDMB Tasks Media Practitioners On Effective Reportage
Business
FCTA, Others Chart Path To Organic Agriculture Practices
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and other stakeholders have charted path to improved organic agriculture practices nationwide.
At a 2024 national organic and agroecology business summit held recently in Abuja, stakeholders took turn to speak on the additional areas of promoting the practices.
The Mandate Secretary, FCT Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat (ARDS), Lawan Geidam, advocated for sustainable practice to develop resilient food systems that will benefit people.
The event, with the theme,”Towards Policies for Upscaling Organic Agroecological Businesses in Nigeria”, is aimed at fostering growth in the organic agriculture sector.
Geidam, who was represented by the Acting Director, Agric Services, in the Secretariat, Mr. Ofili Bennett, emphasised the success of organic and agroecological farming, reling on the active involvement of farmers, businesses and consumers.
He reassured attendees that the FCT Administration, led by the Minister, Nyesom Wike, and Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, remains dedicated to supporting initiatives that enhance the livelihood of residents.
Geidam described the partnership between the Secretariat and the organic and Agroecology initiative for a monthly exhibition and sale of organic products in the FCTA premises as a testament to this commitment.
“The ARDS remains committed to driving policies and initiatives that align with national goals and global standards”, Geidam said.
On her part, the Chairperson of Organic and Agroecology Initiative, Mrs. Janet Igho, urged residents to embrace healthy eating habits to sustain a good lifestyle. She stressed the importance of adopting organic practices, highlighting the benefits of going organic, growing organic and consuming organic products.
Igho expressed her optimism regarding the Agricultural Revival Programmes as articulated in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda”, which aims at fostering food and nutrition security.
She also extended her gratitude to ARDS for graciously allocating a space in the FCTA premises for the exhibition and sale of organic products, noting that the platform has been effectively used to advance the promotion of organic agriculture in FCT.
Igho outlined several benefits of organic agriculture which includes improved soil health, increased biodiversity, availability nutritious and healthy food and a reduced carbon footprint.
Stakeholders at the summit, underscored the critical need for enhanced private sector involvement and robust capacity building initiatives for farmers.
They highlighted the importance of implementing supportive policies to foster the growth of the organic agriculture sector.
In the light of the significant challenges facing Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, stakeholders decided that organic agricultural practices present sustainable solutions and a pathway for a more resilient and productive farming systems.
The three-day summit featured exhibitions showcasing organic foods, fruits, vegetables and fertilizers, providing an opportunity for residents to better appreciate the benefits of production and consumption of organic agricultural products.