Kogi to Plant 21, 000 Hectares of Cassava Next Year

As part of Kogi State government drive towards actualising the drift from subsistence farming to agriculture as business,  the state government is to facilitate the planting of over 21,000 hectares of cassava farms in 2017.

The acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Dr Isah Ochepa    disclosed this at a meeting of the state agricultural Core Delivery Team (CDT) in Lokoja.

Ochepa said farmers in each of the 21 Local Government Areas of Kogi were expected to cultivate 1,000 hectares each to make up the 21,000 hectares.

Also speaking at the meeting, acting Managing Director of the state Agricultural Development Project (ADP), Mr. James Ogunmola said efforts were also being made to train farmers on preservation of orange flesh sweet potato vines.

This, according to him, is to enable preservation of the vines for distribution to farmers during the next rainy season adding that government had planned to embark on mass production of the orange flesh sweet potatoes.

He said that the nutritional value of the vegetable crop was high and had been recommended particularly for children and adults especially, diabetic patients.

The Managing Director said the decision to produce the potatoes in large quantity was made against the backdrop of the school feeding scheme being contemplated by the state government.

Ogunmola described it as a women-friendly crop being planted in Kenya and Tanzania saying that assimilation of its carbohydrate content during metabolism was gradual and not at once as with others.

Speaking earlier, Mr. Victor Adejoh, Team Lead of Synergos Nigeria, organisers of the CDT programme said the meeting was aimed at engaging government representatives on the need to provide for activities of the State Partnership for Agriculture in 2017 budget.

Adejoh said Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) providing support for the various SPA programmes through Synergos, wanted to see that certain monetary provisions were made for the partnership to show the seriousness of government in transforming agriculture.

“I appeal to CDT members and key budget leaders to have the SPA captured. The target of Synergos in the SPA is to develop an all-inclusive policy to drive the transformation from subsistence farming to agriculture as business”, he said.

Source: Nigeria Today

Coconut farming as huge forex earner

Stories by Steve Agbota

source: organicfacts.net

Cash crops have been creating millionaires, jobs and sustaining the economy of many nation around the world, just as coconut represents golden chance for Nigeria to rake in over $2.5billion annually.
However, some cash crops in the country like cocoa, cashew, soybeans and others have also penetrated international markets, where the demand for these crops are huge. But unfortunately, coconut value chain remains untapped in the country.
Booming global demand for coconut water, oil and other bi-products is a significant opportunity for the crop to boost exports and job creation.
Recently, the Chairman of Nigeria Agribusiness Group (NABG), Mr. Sani Dangote, said Nigeria was losing $1billion yearly from untapped potential in coconut business. He said the losses came because the country was neither developing coconut value chain for domestic use nor exporting it to meet global demand.
He said the potential of the coconut industry to improve the country’s economy and lift coconut farmers from poverty has not yet been fully maximised.
The coconut industry in Lagos alone has huge potential that can contribute to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) but needed investment to improve yield, including using hybrid varieties of seeds. On how to become a successful coconut farmer, the Deputy Managing  Director of Peniel Gerar International Limited, Ojiefoh  Enahoro Martins, said that the potential in coconut farming is huge as export  market  for the product is increasing  every  day. He said potential farmers and investors should consider some factors before venturing into the coconut farming business.
Climate
He said coconut needs rainfall level of between 1000 mm. to 3000 mm., 2000 ft and 70 per cent of air moisture, good draining facility, sandy soil rich in humus content, in depth of 3 mts. and soil PH from 6 to 7. He explained that coconut  requires temperature from 27˚ Celsius to 36˚ and the tree needs sunlight most but day and night temperature variation at 5˚ Celsius.
Cost of setting up coconut plantation
He said the cost to set up a coconut plantation would obviously vary according to location. The key variables are usually tied to the land (eg. terrain and contour, soil type) and also farm input costs (eg. labour costs, fertilizer prices, planting material costs). Thus, the following costings should be taken only as an approximation to the costs of starting a coconut plantation: Cost of  land per hectare N5000, cost of  labour N30,000, cost planting,  digging  and covering  per hole N60, cost of  coconut  seedlings for planting in Nigeria   N100 per one and weeding  for the  first three months N5000.
Land spacing, lifespan
For one acre 25 feet by 25feet spacing, he said, it is recommended to grow 70 trees per acre.
Generally, he said a square system of planting is preferred  in West Africa, with a spacing of 7.5 x 7.5 metres, which will accommodate 178 coconut palms per one hectare. However, a spacing of seven to 10 metres is practised in many coconut farms, and the best planting  season  is between April and May. The harvest and fruiting  strength  is more 30  years.
Numbers of coconut on a tree
He said that the coconut hybrids can give 250 coconuts per tree per year, leading to annual production of one to 17,000 coconuts per acre, approximately 500 million of water while  it gives 200 nuts per tree, which means about 3 ½ tonnes per acre and it gives about 60 per cent of oil. “I advised  farmers can do inter-cropping for first three years, but also plant crops like legumes that should be smaller in size. I also recommend  the use  of hybrid coconut. The main advantage of hybrid plants is that they start flowering from the second year, by third year all the trees will come to flowering stage and from the fourth year all the trees will start to give the yield.”
Where potential farmers can get supports
He said that anybody who wants to venture into coconut farming should approach Nigeria  Seed Council, Ministry  of Agriculture and Rural Development and Bank of Agriculture (BoA). These are the bodies that can give required support.
Varieties
According to him, though many varieties of coconut exist, Western Tall, Tall X Dwarf types of trees are planted for nuts and oil.
Dwarf varieties like Savukot, MalaionEllo Orange and Savukot Green are planted for tender coconut. For big nuts Yazpanam trees and for more nuts Ayiram Kaichi trees are suitable. Likewise Latchaganga released by Central Plantation Coconut Research Institute at India and Philippines is a good yielding avariety. VHC3 variety released by Tamil Nadu Agriculture University in the year 2000 is a high yielding variety. He added: Tall hybrids and dwarf are  the major  varieties  we have in Nigeria.
States where  coconut can grow
He explained that in Nigeria, the leading producing states out of the 20  are Niger, Kano, Jigawa, Zamfara,Kebbi, Sokoto, Katsina, Kaduna, Adamawa, Yobe, Borno, Taraba, Plateau, Nasarawa, Bauchi, Lagos and Ogun states. He explained: “The market for coconut  is still 100 per cent viable  for investment. We are tapping  into this goldmine-like opportunity. Next year, we are set to  launch 2000  coconut  estate phase one in Edo state and our target  is the US coconut  oil  production  market.”
On the possibility of coconut estate in Nigeria
Said he: “We can have coconut  estate in Nigeria  and make millions without  stress. The opportunities  in coconut  business  is still 95 per cent untapped. Why I encourage  investors  to  go into  coconut  farming is that the market  demand is high  both locally and internationally and return  on  investment  is 80 per cent minimum, while the risk is about one per cent. “At this instance I would also like to put forth the idea that the scientists should apply their education and make strenuous efforts in innovating new methods of coconut crop cultivation, for enhancing the standard of living of the farmers and lead the nation to a greater development”.
Coconut oil is one of the by-products ofthe fruit and is seen as having a variety of applications in beauty, health, and cooking.
Coconut is a very versatile useful plant with a wide range of products being sourced from it. Coconut products are used to make everything from clothing to animal feed to beauty creams. Its kernel is harvested for its edible flesh and delicious water, while its husk is used for its strong fibers.
Most importantly, however, are its oils, which are extracted, processed, and marketed for culinary, medicinal, and cosmetic uses alike.
Typically, the flesh is first dried down to six per cent moisture to make copra. This product is then hauled to factories across the world where it is manufactured into oil. Less widely used, but more valuable, “virgin” coconut oil is directly extracted from raw coconut.

Credit: Nigeria Today

Nigeria’s Agro Allied Industry: A starting point for the entrepreneurial revolution

By Peter Osalor 

As part of former President Umaru Yar’Adua’s Seven Point Agenda for economic revival and accelerated growth, the commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme (CACS) was launched. It was designed to provide concessionary funding to small farmers through credit guarantees and interest draw back support. Initial outlay for the scheme stands at a respectable $1.4 billion, to be disbursed through participating commercial banks. The Nigerian government envisions that the program would increase farmland output, diversify the revenue base, and provide vital resources and raw material to the manufacturing sector. The idea of Agriculture and Agro- based industry as a strategy for accelerated economic growth is slowly beginning to take hold. 

The oil boom of the 1970s caused the marginalisation of Agriculture into a labour – intensive, low – productivity subsistence activity that eventually plunged large parts of rural Nigeria into abject poverty. The redirection of Agricultural policies was affected since the return of democracy in 1999 proved more successful. Under a radical reforms programme, the government targeted rural development with integrated plans for Agriculture promotion, rural industrialization and infrastructure development. This integrated approach has yielded tangible results: Agriculture now leads the country’s economic recovery, bouncing back to contribute 42% of the GDP in 2009, 40.19% in 2011, and 39.02% in 2012, 37.92% in 2013, while 36.79% in  2014, 35.75% in 2015 and 34.74% in 2016 also 33.86% by 2017(FSDH Research). 

Perhaps the most significant thought arising out of this recovery is Nigeria’s natural inclination towards farming. Traditional involvement with Agriculture and the existence of diverse ecological conditions across the country offers strong potential for growth of a flourishing and suitably inter- linked agro allied industry. Nigeria’s ambitions for accelerated and inclusive economic growth are contingent on achieving a vibrant Agriculture sector that can support extensive down -the –line enterprise development and employment. In line with this assessment, the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) expressly recommends the adoption of a national investment policy to diversify the Nigerian economy with a strong focus on agro – allied industries. The fact that this sector is primed to spark off rapid enterprise development in Nigeria is simply undeniable. Enterprise potential exists in almost all areas of local farm production. 

According to FAO estimates, Nigeria currently produces over 100,000 metric tonnes of Kola nut, which finds use in the manufacture of beverages, liquor, and confectionaries. Yet, local processing units are rare and exports are largely limited to fresh and dry nuts with little value addition. Cassava, likewise, has emerged as a major cash crop with untapped potential in industrial use and bio – fuel development. With adequate private sector involvement, commercialised Agriculture can not only aid industrialization and employment generation but also breach the productivity gap and reduce food costs. 

The government’s intervention in the Agro – allied sector must essentially be aimed at creating the right environment for rapid expansion of locally – owned enterprises. However, there are serious challenges in this direction. Industries processing of agricultural product are almost negligible, existing standards being very basic and often incomparable with export requirements. Post – harvest losses are also very high, assesses at near 50% of total production. (Van Buren) Labour saving production and advanced harvesting and processing technologies are therefore critical for sustained revival of Nigerians Agriculture. Moreover, efficient production and marketing systems will prove vital in ensuring high quality standards and competitive prices for both domestic industries and export markets. In term of broad parameters, policies for effective development of the Agro –allied sector in Nigeria must focus on a number of key considerations: Ensuring food security by increasing supply and lowering prices with the specific aim of curbing inflation. Enhancing credit access to small farmers and Agro – based enterprises at low rates of interest.

Credit: Vanguard

200,000 unemployed graduates to commence federal government work December

All is now set for the deployment of 200,000 unemployed graduates selected in the first batch of the Buhari administration’s plan to hire half a million Nigerians.

While the 200,000 had been selected about two weeks ago, their names have now been sent to state governments and the FCT who would deploy them to their specific programme assignments. The names would also be published this week on the N-Power internet portal, while the participants would start receiving SMS messages informing them of their selection as from November 21, 2016.

State governments and the FCT are also encouraged to post the names of the successful first batch applicants in their local government areas while there would be further public announcements.

Between now and the end of the month, the states and the FCT would be engaged in deploying the graduates who would formally start working and earning their stipends on December 1, 2016.

Of the 200,000 first batch, 150,000 of them would teach, 30,000 would work in the Agric sector and 20,000 in Healthcare delivery covering the three specific programme assignments.

The N-Power Volunteer Corps is an expression of President Muhammadu Buhari’s commitment to invest in the human capital development of Nigerian citizens, particularly our young people. The N-Power programme is also an innovative means to enhance ailing public services in the area of basic education and primary healthcare. Also in the agric sector, it is aimed at achieving self-sufficiency by giving our farmers relevant advisory services.

The Federal Government of Nigeria hereby congratulates all 200,000 successful applicants in the first batch, and they are encouraged to take this opportunity seriously by learning the skills that will brighten their future. They are also implored to serve their communities with commitment and dedication.

For those who have not been selected at this time, there is a waiting list based on the total number of applicants, and subsequent batches will absorb more of the qualified applicants.

All together, the N-Power will engage and train 500,000 young unemployed graduates. It is a paid volunteering programme of a 2-year duration that engages graduates in their immediate communities, where they will assist in improving the inadequacies in the education, health, and agriculture sectors.

The 500,000 graduates under the N-Power Corps programme will be trained in skills that will enable them exit after two years to economically viable job and business opportunities.

As part of the programme, the participants would own tablets that will contain information necessary for their specific engagements, as well as information for their continuous training and developments.

Participants will be provided teaching, instructional, and advisory solutions in 4 main focus areas, and will be paid a monthly stipend of N30,000 during the programme. The 4 main focus areas are in basic education, agriculture extension services, public health and community education (civic and adult education).

Besides the N-Power programme for undergraduates, there are other schemes for non-graduates. These are: N-Power Knowledge, which would select 25,000 young Nigerians and N-Power Build 75,000, all of whom shall be trained and paid during the duration of the scheme.

Credit: Premium Times

Odds against Nigerian agricultural promotion policy

By Joke Falaju, Abuja 

Rice pyramids in Kano… Source: peoplemonthlyonline.ng

Unless the Federal Government assert firmness on policies that discourage importation of certain food items that could be produced locally in large quantity for consumption and export, efforts to diversify the economy through agriculture would remain a mirage.

Available information indicates that activities of some big players in the sector whose businesses have been thriving on importation are already threatening the realization of the lofty goals of the Nigerian Agricultural Promotion Policy.

Indeed, farmers such as rice millers, dairy processors, and tomato processors are crying that their businesses are being threatened by the increase in smuggling and importation of agricultural produce into the country.

They are now at the mercies of the government to take the bold steps by calling off the bluffs of many of the multi national companies so as to increase local production.

Many local producers have complained bitterly on how smuggling or importation of food items is threatening their investment, and unless decisive measures are taken by the government to protect their investment, their businesses may go down the drain.

The Nigeria’s population of over 170million people has made the private sector, both local and foreigners to develop an uncontrollable appetite for the Nigerian market and everyone wants to have their own share of the market, it is now imperative that the federal government, in line with its diversification campaign, to strengthen the capacity of the indigenous players who are willing to grow Nigerian market and create more jobs.

The Rice Processors Association of Nigeria (RIPAN) recently at a press briefing in Abuja raised alarm over massive smuggling of finished parboiled rice from the Republic of Benin, Niger and Cameroon. Of concern to them is that Nigeria is the only country on the West African coastline that eat parboiled rice, however they were able to gather facts that 1million metric tone of finished parboiled rice berthed at the Republic of Benin, their fear is that if the rice is pushed into the Nigerian market, it would not only affect their investment but also kill the huge investments made by the federal government in various intervention programmes including over 25million farmers that are engaged in rice farming.

RIPAN has therefore, urged the federal government to engage the governments of the neighbouring countries on modalities to fashion out joint anti-smuggling initiatives in tackling illicit smuggling of the rice into the country borders. The group also stressed the need for the countries to increase their tariffs on rice.

They also advised that the federal government could threaten the countries with strong economic sanctions for aiding and abetting smuggling of rice into the country, saying it would go along way in reducing the perceived economic sabotage against Nigeria.

RIPAN stressed the need for Nigerian Custom Service to collaborate with the Director of State Security Service and other relevant security agencies to design strategy to track the unpatriotic elements and bring them to book.

“We recommend that the security agencies set up a committee that would do a guerrilla raid on markets to pick up samples of these rice products: trace and apprehend their source and confiscate the products to serve as deterrent measure,” RIPAN said.

They also urged the Comptroller General to sustain his policy of zero tolerance to corruption in the service and also send strong signals to his men at the borders to maintain discipline and integrity and not be used by smugglers to smuggle over 1million tons of rice currently warehoused in the neighbouring countries with the dubious intention of smuggling them into Nigeria during the forthcoming festive season.

They said the customs service need to investigate the roles played by some conglomerates based in Nigeria who are at the forefront of smuggling by importing and diverting rice cargoes to neighbouring countries, saying RIPAN would stand by to provide the Custom Service with necessary information at their disposal.

Indeed, Dangote Tomato Processing Plants had to shut down three month after opening their factory because of increased smuggling of tomato paste into the country despite ban by the federal government. The Vice Chairman of Dangote Group, Mr. Sani Dangote while speaking to journalists had alleged that some importers currently import the product from China and in their bid to avoid the payment of duty and tariffs to the Nigerian custom, they establish large warehouse in Ghana in the free zone under the disguise of ECOWAS, the importers warehouse the product, package it and push the commodity as retail packs into the Nigerian market.

Dangote who expressed regret at the development said, “may be we were not as smart as the importers we shouldn’t have opened a factory, we should have just being importing and making our profit.” He said if they continue to produce, they might continue to run at loss adding that they have reported the matter to the Ministry of Agriculture, Finance, and National Planning but they are yet to get any result.

He further alleged that the Chinese government had reduced the price of the commodity by 50 per cent, so that they would continue to benefit from the large Nigerian market given the increasing foreign exchange. He said, “with the low duty of 5 per cent, it’s easier for the importers to bring in the product and still make a lot of gains.

“Even though Central Bank said it’s not giving any importer dollars to import tomato paste, but other countries like China have dropped their price by 50 per cent to ensure that even though there is devaluation of Naira, they will be able to sell to those who want to buy through the parallel market. As of today, the government duty is so low at 5 PER CENT, so with that low duty, China dropping their price to less than 50 per cent.”

Stressing the need for government to improve the capacity of local farmers, he said “unless government does something, there is no way we can pay a local farmer who has no capacity compared to a Chinese farmer. A farmer here gets only about 12 tones per hectare, the Chinese farmer gets over a 100 tones supported by government and other support.”

The Vice Chairman of Dangote group lamented that the government has been “talking for the past one year and up till this very moment, there is no clear policy on where they are heading. A clear-cut direction is what is hampering the situation and unfortunately, we are in the month where farmers have to start planting and there is no directive, no clear cut policy. They promised before July, there would be a policy in place, but today, there is still no policy, no guideline on what to do.”

He noted that the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Okechukwu Enelamah has been talking about bringing the importers to the round table with the local producers so as to fashion out a common grounds, unfortunately, there is no way they can find a common ground when somebody’s business is about import and the other is about local production.

He pointed out that with the current situation in the tomato processing industry, there is no way any investor would want to do a backward integration. He said, “Our hope is that let the President take the initiative if the ministries have failed to take the initiative. If it gets to the president, I am sure, he won’t want to see his vision diminished by some bureaucratic process.

“But it’s very unfortunate because thousands of farmers will continue to suffer because of companies that are bent on importing to the Nigerian market. Nigeria is a big market for any tomato exporter so they will do everything possible to see that tomato keeps coming to Nigeria unless our government takes the bold step and do the right thing.”

The major objective of the Agricultural Promotion Policy of the federal government is to increase food production both for local consumption and export purpose in order to increase foreign earnings from the sector and boost the nations Gross Domestic Product.

Source: Guardian

Nigeria: Buhari Vows to Revamp Agriculture in Niger Delta

By Emmanuel Addeh and Sylvester Idowu

President Muhammadu Buhari at the weekend in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, vowed to revamp the economy of the Niger Delta to ensure that in the next few years, agriculture would coexist and compete favourably with proceeds from the export of oil and gas resources.

The president who blamed successive governments for missing several opportunities to steer the Nigerian economy away from its sole dependence on oil and place it on a solid footing, pledged that his administration would pursue the diversification of the Nigerian economy with vigour.

Buhari who spoke during the Green River Project (GRP) Farmers' day, jointly organised by the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) and supported by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and Oando Plc, stated that if the current momentum is sustained, Nigeria would be self-sufficient in a couple of years from now.

The GRP is dedicated to the celebration of achievements of farmers in Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers and Imo States and according to the organisers, has enabled Agip and its joint venture partners to assist the states in agricultural production towards achieving food sufficiency and economic empowerment.

While calling for the support of everyone, the Nigerian leader reiterated that he had already begun plugging the loopholes which led to the degeneration of the economy, noting that with the feedback at his disposal, Nigeria was on the path of recovery.

"As well as plug gaps and shortcomings, I am pleased to let you know that the results have started to take shape

"There is no doubt that these are difficult times for us as a nation. Having squandered most of the opportunities we had to lay a solid foundation in the past, we have seen our oil-dependent economy slide into recession largely on account of falling oil prices as well as militancy and vandalism of oil infrastructure in the Niger Delta.

"But even as these economic difficulties have unfolded over the last two years, we have gone ahead to lay our vision for restoring the economy and placing it on a diversified footing largely on agriculture and solid minerals.

"The result has been heart-warming. The most recent GDP figures for the second quarter of 2016, rose in two major areas; agriculture and solid minerals," he said.

In the audio-visual message he specifically sent for the occasion and a separate message read on his behalf by the Minister of State for Agriculture, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, who represented him, Buhari also begged Niger Delta militants to halt the harm being inflicted on the economy and the Niger Delta ecosystem by the bombing of oil and gas facilities in the region.

"I appeal to the people of the Niger Delta to embrace peace and focus on agriculture for sustainable economic development and wealth creation. I urge you to take advantage of the huge potential in agriculture and stop the destruction of oil and gas pipelines which only serves to destroy our ecosystem and economy," the president added.

He said that with the agricultural policies and programmes currently being put in place and the kind of partnership shown by Agip in revamping agriculture in the Niger Delta, the people of Nigeria would soon have a cause to smile.

In the message, the president said the Niger Delta possesses one of the best wetlands in the world and advised its people to embrace peace so that genuine development could take place.

Buhari stated: "Let me use this opportunity to reiterate our uttermost commitment to our farmers across the country. This government is championing several schemes aimed at supporting farmers and agriculture.

"Let me list a few of them. The anchor borrowers programme of the Central Bank of Nigeria which has already impacted positively in rice production levels in several states."

He said twith the good harvest coming in from parts of the country, there was no doubt that such partnerships initiated by NAOC and its owners would go a long way in adding value to farmers.

Describing the GRP in the Niger Delta as " one of its kind and worthy of commendation and emulation by all oil companies, Buhari stated that apart from the huge oil and gas deposits, the Niger Delta region is blessed with one of the world's largest wetlands with arable land for agriculture and has the capacity to become a domestic and international provider of agricultural produce.

The president disclosed that $9 billion dollars was currently being lost to lack of facilities for prompt processing of agricultural produce annually and $22 billion used in the importation of a few agricultural products.

He said the federal government was repositioning the bank of industry, BOA and has created the Nigeria Incentive-based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending NIRSAL, to enable farmers access to credit facilities.

The President stated that the provision made by Agip in supporting beneficiaries with processing facilities would go a long way in ameliorating the huge losses.While commending the 'unrelenting' efforts of the company", he urged them to sustain the initiative as oil production and agriculture can coexist and pave the way for sustainable prosperity.

He urged the governors to collaborate with the federal government to make agriculture a key business in Nigeria as it will help curb restiveness and increase revenues in the states.

Chairman of the company, Uberto Cararra, in his speech said the programme has been helping the youths as well as women and expressed joy that the GRP was receiving attention from the right quarters.

The MD, Oando, Pade Durotoye, who was represented by Anthony Sawyer, General Manager Operations, noted that the programme currently has 35,000 farmers within 120 communities in its fold, but called for a " more aggressive and varied implementation strategy".

Also, the General Manager District, Marco Rotondi, said the GRP was changing the perception that the Niger Delta was "all about insecurity and militancy".

Prof Humphrey Ogoni, Vice Chancellor of the Niger Delta University, in his address said attention should be paid to mechanised farming, integrated farming system and more collaboration with research institutions like the NDU.

Meanwhile, ex-militant leader, Chief Government Ekpemupolo alias "Tompolo" yesterday broke his silence on recent spate of bombings in the Niger Delta, alleging that his cousin, Michael Johnny, was behind series of recent attacks on national assets.

He said confidently that the security agencies were aware of the involvement of the said Chieftain of All Progressive Congress (APC) in Delta State, Chief Johhny, in the recent attacks on oil facilities in the region.

Tompolo maintained that information at the disposal of security agencies indicated that a suspect in their custody had allegedly confessed that Michael Johnny sent him (the suspect) to bomb oil facilities.

Tompolo in a statement signed by his Media Consultant, Paul Bebenimibo, was reacting to an online publication that militants are plotting to attack more facilities unless the federal government stalls Tompolo's trial by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

He expressed surprise that the publication was coming up two days after his cousin, Chief Michael Johnny appeared on a national television accusing him of being the mastermind of attacks on oil facilities.

Reacting to the publication, Ekpemupolo again dissociated himself from the threat by the group noting that he did not and will not send anyone to attack oil facilities in the Niger Delta Region.

"The attention of my client, Tompolo has been drawn to an online publication by a faceless person or persons, that militants have vowed to attack more oil facilities over Tompolo, if Federal Government of Nigeria refused to drop the criminal charges against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

"Ekpemupolo (Tompolo) unequivocally dissociates himself from this threat as he did not send anyone to attack oil facilities in the Niger Delta region because of his case with the EFCC. Tompolo has consistently denied involvement in the resurgence and bombing of oil facilities in the Niger Delta region.

"This online publication is coming two days after one Michael Johnny has accused Tompolo on Channels Television programme," State of the Nation" of been behind the bombing of oil facilities in the Niger Delta region."

"Tompolo watched the programme with great disbelief as Michael Johnny accused him of being the brain behind the bombings of oil facilities, whereas information at the disposal of security agencies indicates that a suspect in their custody had confessed that Michael Johnny sent him (the suspect) to bomb oil facilities.

"That means that Michael Johnny is the one behind the bombings of oil facilities in the Niger Delta. Tompolo has instructed his lawyers to sue Michael Johnny for malicious damage.

"Tompolo has said in many occasions that he will not resort to violence and bombing of oil facilities because of his case with the EFCC. Tompolo sued the EFCC for illegally placing non-debit order on his company account in Warri before he was hurriedly dragged to court by the EFCC in Lagos. And after a year, the court has refused to hear his case for frivolous excuses. And he has vowed to patiently pursue his case rather than resorting to violence and bombing of oil facilities which is greatly affecting our economy", the statement signed by Bebenimibo read.

Finally, Chief Ekpemupolo we wish to warn that no one should u warned against the use of his name to seek relevance in the present administration noting that such moves would be resisted by any legitimate means.

Source: Allafrica

Nigerians Need Not Panic Over Famine Reports - Ogbeh

By Ruth Tene

The minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh, has assured Nigerians that the federal government is working round the clock to avert any imminent famine in 2017.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja at the weekend, Chief Ogbeh lamented that the Nigerian elite had distanced themselves from agriculture in the last five decades, since the discovery of oil, a development he blamed for the current food insufficiency in the country.

The minister also blamed urban migration for neglect of agriculture among Nigerians, especially the youth, adding that it was high time the youth engaged in agriculture aggressively.

According to him, the Ministry of Agriculture had, in the last one year, ensured food sufficiency and security through a religious implementation of government policies and programmes.

"We came in a year ago; precisely on 15 November, 2015. And ever since then, we have continued the push for food sufficiency. The first step we took was to inform the world that there would be no policy summersault. And we have kept to that!

"So we decided to widen and deepen existing policies and programmes for sustainable development," he said.

He further noted that the demand for grains by neighbouring countries has resulted in the current shortfall in food supply, adding that this has shot up the population demanding grains by additional 180 million.

"It is a bit of difficulty for us here, because we are not yet producing as much grains as is required to meet the feeding needs of the country. But we cannot ban exports because of ECOWAS Treaty that goods produced in Africa can move freely," he added.

Source: Allafrica