Prince Bassey Otu, Cross River governor, has initiated a large-scale rice project, spanning 50,000 hectares.

The endeavour is supported by a credit scheme, which sees the state allocating a whooping N150 million monthly, towards agricultural development initiatives.

The ceremony marking the commencement of the project took place in Ndok community, Ogoja local government area of Cross River, weekend.

Otu, at the event, affirmed his administration’s readiness to revolutionise the agricultural sector.

He stressed the need for a direct collaboration with rice farmers to meet the cultivation of the extensive 50,000 hectares.

“We are engaging with groups of farmers as part of our agricultural revolution, focusing initially on short-term cash crops like rice, cocoa, and cassava.

“We are also progressing towards the development of oil palm and rubber plantations,” the governor remarked.

Continuing, Otu said, “we are committed to working along with every farmer while ensuring the provision of essential resources and I extend this assurance to the traditional leaders based on our long-term commitment to this course.”

On a credit-guarantee scheme established to facilitate financial assistance for dedicated farmers, Otu encouraged individuals to seize the opportunity in order to enhance productivity, emphasising the need for proactive engagement in agriculture.

He charged the citizenry to take advantage of the numerous resources in the state to remain proactive while help in turning Cross River into an industrial hub.

Earlier, Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation, Johnson Ebokpo Jnr, informed of government’s strategic approach to agricultural development, explaining the various policies put in place to attract private sector investments, while making agriculture the cornerstone of the state’s economy.

Ebokpo said: “Significant investments have been made in acquiring new tractors to enhance mechanisation efforts. The tractors, being distributed across the local government areas in Cross River will be managed by cooperatives, comprising men and women.”

According to the Agric Commissioner, “the initiative aims to empower the youths while supporting small-holder farmers in scaling up their operations.”

Chairman, Cross River Rice Farmers Association, Emmanuel Anoh, projected a minimum rice yield of 6 tonnes per hectare, translating to 140 bags of 50kg rice per hectare, hinting that the significant increase in production capacity was poised to transform the food industry in Nigeria.

Anoh also applauded government’s agricultural initiatives as he expressed hope that the result would tremendously benefit the populace and boost the sector.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has urged political leaders to project the beauty of the nation’s cultural diversity.

Mr Stanley Nkwocha, spokesperson of the Vice-President, in a statement on Saturday said Shettima made the call during conferment of the Chieftaincy title of Asiwaju of Ijebuland on Dr Sulaiman Adegunwa.

According to the statement, the ceremony held in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

Shettima emphasised the importance of service to humanity and peaceful coexistence in the country.

He conveyed greetings from President Bola Tinubu, describing the new Asiwaju as “a worthy son of the soil, a leader committed to entrenching peaceful coexistence across the length and breadth of the nation.”

Shettima said ” the event we are all gathered here to witness is not just one that celebrates the intertwining between leadership and culture but indeed the essence of humanity which is service.

” As beautiful as we all look in the various attires we are putting on, so is the beauty in our diversity, so is the beauty of our heritage, so is the beauty of our cultures which bellies in our age-long tradition.”

He called on Adegunwa to see his new role as a call to service and a reminder that “what we owe this country is a sacrifice for love, tolerance and total dedication.”

Recounting Adegunwa’s inspiring story of success, Shettima noted that “the story of Baba is successful yet very motivational; that for every man that strives to succeed there is no way the doors would not be open.

” On our part, we shall continue to partner with well-meaning Nigerians to ensure that for everyone that sacrifices and strives to succeed despite the challenges we face as a nation, we shall leave no stone unturned in giving them all the support.

“I wish Dr Adegunwa a most meritorious and legacy-filled Chieftaincy. May your era bring bountiful peace, love, and progress to this beautiful land. Thank you and God bless,” he added.

In his remarks, Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, congratulated Dr Adegunwa, recounting his journey from a small photo studio to investments in banking, real estate, agriculture, and education.

“Today, Baba Dr Adegunwa is installed with the distinguished title of the Asiwaju of Ijebuland.

” I am confident that the new Asiwaju will bring his wealth of experience and personal attributes, courage and philanthropy to discharge his new role admirably to the Ijebu people.”

Also, the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayọde Adetọna II, who conferred the Chieftaincy title, commended Dr Adegunwa and his wife for distinguishing themselves in character and their fields of endeavour.

He also applauded their contributions to the community’s economic well-being.

Oba Adetona, who has been on the throne for 64 years, said the palace had observed the Adegunwa with “joy and pride.

According to him, they exhibited uncanny and unblemished sagacity, honesty and integrity and uncommon development in Ijebuland.

The Olukun of Ikun Akoko, Oba Michael Adedoyin Olokunbola JP, in the Akoko South West local government area of ondo state has joined his ancestors at 71.

According to the statement issued and signed by Elder Titus Orimijupa, the president Ikun Akoko Progressive Union announcing the death confirmed the monarch died in Lagos Teaching Hospital after a brief illness.

“On behalf of the entire good people of Ikun-Akoko in Akoko SouthWest Local Government Area of Ondo State the Ikun-Akoko Progressive Union announce with deep sense of loss the glorious home call of the Olukun of Ikun-Akoko His Royal Majesty Pastor Michael Adedoyin Olokunbola, JP who joined his ancestors on 23rd January 2024 in Lagos University Teaching Hospital after a brief illness. He was installed the Olukun of Ikun-Akoko on 10th May 2003. He reigned for twenty years and eight months.”

In accordance with the customs and traditions of the people of Ikun-Akoko, which provides that all traditional rites of passage befitting of the holder of the title of Olukun of Ikun-Akoko that has joined his forebearers be concluded within three months of his joining his ancestors before a formal announcement of his passing is made, a formal announcement of his passing was therefore made on Tuesday 23rd April 2024.

According to Orimijupa, all traditional rites of passage expected to have been done for an Olukun of Ikun-Akoko that has joined his ancestors have been done within the three months window allowed before the announcement of the demise of Olukun of Ikun-Akoko, HRM Michael Adedoyin Olokunbola, JP.

He noted that, “HRM Michael Adedoyin Olokunbola will be remembered for his leadership qualities and the numerous developmental projects he facilitated to the community during his reign as the Olukun of Ikun-Akoko.

As the people of Ikun-Akoko mourn the loss of this great leader and a symbol of unity, we passionately request for your prayers for his immediate family, the Odeolukun Ruling House and the entire good people of Ikun-Akoko.

Therefore the family of the late Monarch in conjunction with the Odeolukun Ruling House and the entire Ikun-Akoko community have fixed Saturday 4th May 2024 as the day to celebrate the times and life of the late Monarch.

“The Government of Ondo State and the entire good people of the state and Nigeria are respectfully invited to the celebration of Life.

May his rest in peace.

With a view to avoiding vacuum, the Odeolukun Ruling House, in line with extant traditional requirements has nominated and installed Princess Bolanle Deborah Jacob as the Regent of the stool of Olukun of Ikun-Akoko on Tuesday 23rd April 2024. The Akoko SouthWest Local Government of Ondo State has been formally notified of this development.

Thank you”