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Ekiti To Create 12,000 To 50,000 Jobs Through CBN-ABP Rice Farming – Fayemi

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Ekiti To Create 12,000 To 50,000 Jobs Through CBN-ABP Rice Farming - Fayemi
Ekiti Rice Pyramid: L-R: Chairman, Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers/ Alawe of Ilawe-Ekiti, Oba Adebanji Alabi; Jigawa State Governor, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar; Kebbi State Governor, Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi; Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Godwin Emefiele; Osun State Governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola and Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN); at the launch of Ekiti Rice Pyramid Project and flag off of the 2021 Wet Season Rice Cultivation in Ado-Ekiti…on Tuesday

 

Ekiti Governor Kayode Fayemi has said the state government would utilize the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s Rice Anchor Borrowers Programme (ABP) to increase its annual rice production from 34,700 to 1.5 million metric tonnes.

The CBN-ABP, according to the governor would generate no fewer than 12,000 jobs for rice farmers, who, would in turn, create additional 50,000 jobs in full production across the rice value chain within a year.

Dr Fayemi, who gave the assurance on Tuesday during the official launch of Ekiti Rice Pyramid Project and the 2021 Wet Season rice cultivation in Ado -Ekiti, said his administration keyed into the CBN-ABP in demonstration of his quest to diversify the economy and maximize the potential of agriculture in the state.

Governor Fayemi was joined by the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Godwin Emefiele; Governor of Ondo State, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN); Governor of Kebbi State and Vice Chairman, National Council of Food Security, Atiku Bagudu; Governor of Jigawa State and Chairman, Presidential Initiative on Fertiliser, Badaru Abubakar; Governor of Osun State, Gboyega Oyetola: the National President, Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Aminu Goronyo represented by his deputy, Segun Atho and several others dignitaries, to flag off the programme.

He highlighted some of the achievements of his administration in attracting investors into the agricultural sector to include the resuscitation of the 40 years moribund Ikun dairy farm with the potential of $5million investment and 10,000 litres daily production of milk, commissioning of Farmkonnect; the largest snail farm with an annual production of 3.6 million snails with slime extraction at Egbeja Snail Village, Okemesi and others.

He said : “As a government, our simple pledge is to institutionalize commercial agriculture and make agribusiness enticing, exciting and encouraging for the populace, especially the youths. That is why we started our Youth in Commercial Agriculture Development (YCAD) programme which now has over 1000 young farmers.

“Without doubt, Ekiti State is making this solemn pledge a reality today with this tripartite partnership between CBN ANCHOR BORROWERS FUNDS, RIFAN (Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria) and Ekiti State Government. This is the commencement of the programme in the Southwest and I am glad that my brother Governors – Akeredolu and Oyetola are here to honour us with their presence. It is my expectation that Ondo and Osun States will be the next destinations for this tripartite partnership.”

Dr Fayemi who inspected some of the farm inputs displayed at the venue, commended President Muhammadu Buhari for demonstrating relentless commitment to transforming agricultural sector in enhancing food production and food security in the country.

“This ease of production of rice – the most valued staple in Nigeria – has been successfully practised and celebrated in some states like Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Niger, Kwara, Ebonyi etc. It is gratifying that today, Ekiti State is now joining the train as a participant in the Anchor Borrowers Programme of the CBN, in partnership with the National body of Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria led by Alhaji Goronyo,” he said.

Earlier in his speech, CBN Governor, Emefiele expressed the commitment of the apex bank in supporting the state governors in their drive to expand agricultural institution, adding that close to N700 billion had been disbursed under the CBN-ABP to farmers across the country with focus on over 21 crops.

Emefiele said the massive rice pyramids being launched in the state were harvested from various fields across the states and neighbouring states owned by rice farmers under the ABP and also serve as a confirmation of the success of the programme.

The CBN governor who stated that the apex bank had made significant investment in all the states of the federation said aside from the support for massive rice cultivation, the bank had also partnered with states on palm, cocoa, cassava.

He said the bank would like to see more Nigerian youth embrace mechanised farming as a sure way to become millionaires, noting that the CBN would readily assist.

The CBN governor who lauded the Ekiti State government’s partnership with Promasidor in the resuscitation of the Ikun Diary Farm billed to commence production of 10,000 litres of milk per day, said the project got the support of the bank to the tune of $5 million.

The governors of Ondo, Osun, Kebbi, Jigawa who spoke at the event commended Governor Fayemi for taking the lead to set in motion the massive production of rice in the southwest, adding that it would reposition Ekiti to its rightful place as the centre of rice production in the region.

 

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In Shakeup Of FCT Administration, Wike Sacks Agencies, Parastatals Heads

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BREAKING: Wike Dares Ayu To Stop Elections Of Ortom, Others
Federal Capital Territory Minister Nysom Wike

In a decisive shakeup of the administration of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), its Minister Nyesom Wike, has sacked the heads of 21 parastatals, agencies, and government companies.

This was disclosed in a statement by the Director of Press, Office of the Minister, Anthony Ogunleye, in Abuja on Wednesday.

Ogunleye identified the affected heads of the agencies as follows:

1. Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Abuja Investment Company Ltd

2. CEO/Managing Director, Abuja Markets Management Ltd

3. MD/CEO, Abuja Urban Mass Transport Company

4. CEO/MD, Abuja Property Development Company

5. CEO/MD, Abuja Technology Village Free Trade Zone Company

6. CEO/MD, Abuja Film Village International

7. CEO/MD, Powernoth AICL Equipment Leasing Company Ltd

8. MD, Abuja Broadcasting Corporation

9. MD, Abuja Enterprise Agency

10. General Manager, FCT Water Board

11. Director-General, FCT Emergency Management Agency

12. Executive Secretary, FCT Primary Healthcare Board

13. DG, Hospital Management Board

14. Director, Abuja Environmental Protection Board

15. Director, FCT Scholarship Board

16. Director, FCT Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board

17. Director, Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board

18. Coordinator, Abuja Infrastructure Investment Center

19. Director, FCT Health Insurance Scheme

20. Coordinator, Satellite Towns Development Department

21. Coordinator, Abuja Metropolitan Management Council

The director of the press said that the affected appointees should hand over the affairs of their offices to the most senior officers in rank.

He added that appointments in the offices would be made in due course.

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Abiodun Urges Prayer For Nigeria At Eid-El Maulud

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Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, has urged Muslims across the country to offer prayers for the peace and prosperity of Nigeria on the occasion of Eid-El Maulud.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Lekan Adeniran, the Governor emphasized the need for Nigerians to come together and pray for the country’s progress, unity and development.

Governor Abiodun also called on Muslims to emulate the virtues of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), which include love, tolerance, peace, and humility.

He urged Muslims to use the occasion of Eid-El Maulud to reflect on the teachings of the Prophet and strive to live a life of righteousness and selflessness.

The Governor expressed his commitment to providing good and effective governance to the people of Ogun State as he called on Muslims to continue to support his administration and pray for its success.

Eid-ElMaulud is a Muslim holiday that commemorates the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). It is celebrated with prayers, fasting, feasting, and acts of charity and generosity.

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You Are A Shining Light In Christendom, Abiodun Tells Oyedepo At 69

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Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun

Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun has described the founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo, as a shining light in Christendom.

He described the bishop as a great man of God and an educationist worth emulating.

Abiodun stated this in his goodwill message to mark Bishop Oyedepo’s 69th birthday.

The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Lekan Adeniran, praised Bishop Oyedepo’s commitment to God, saying he daily motivates his congregation and the larger society to live a purposeful life in accordance with God’s plan.

“Your teachings have transformed the lives of many and have shaped the destiny of our nation.

“As a preacher, you exemplify excellence and have been a source of inspiration to many. Your commitment to the spread of the gospel has not only brought salvation to countless souls, but it has also helped shape the moral fabric of our society,” Abiodun said.

He said that through his involvement in the education sector, the man of God has succeeded in producing many scientists, bankers, lawyers, administrators, among others, adding that one of his universities has consistently been ranked among the best in Africa.

The governor also commended Bishop Oyedepo’s humanitarian efforts, particularly through the David Oyedepo Foundation, which provides scholarships, medical and entrepreneurial support to thousands of people.

“I am grateful for your contributions to the development of Ogun State, particularly in the area of education. Your investment in Covenant University and other educational institutions in the state have greatly impacted the lives of our youth and have helped to raise the standard of education in the state,” Abiodun said.

He prayed that God will continue to bless Bishop Oyedepo with good health, wisdom, and divine guidance as he continues to impact lives and fulfil his divine mandate.

Abiodun prayed for God’s continued blessings and guidance upon the bishop, as well as for more years of impactful service to humanity.

“Once again, I wish you a happy 69th birthday, and I pray that God will grant you many more years in good health,” Abiodun concluded.

Bishop David Oyedepo, who is also the Chancellor of Covenant University and Landmark University, was born on September 27, 1954, in Omu Aran, Kwara State, Nigeria.

He founded the Living Faith Church Worldwide, also known as Winners’ Chapel, which has grown to become one of the largest Christian denominations in Nigeria and the world at large.

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