Ogun faults alleged harassment of IMPAN’s members by task force

The Benue State government is set to establish strategic grain centers to purchase farm produce directly from farmers in the state. This was disclosed on Tuesday by the Managing Director, Benue Investment and Property Company, BIPC, Dr Raymond Asemakah, during a meeting with key stakeholders in the agricultural sector. He said the initiative is to
Food security: Benue Govt to establish strategic grain reserve centers

The Benue State government is set to establish strategic grain centers to purchase farm produce directly from farmers in the state.

This was disclosed on Tuesday by the Managing Director, Benue Investment and Property Company, BIPC, Dr Raymond Asemakah, during a meeting with key stakeholders in the agricultural sector.

He said the initiative is to ensure that farmers receive value for their money.

Asemakaha emphasised the urgency of the initiative, noting that despite Benue being recognized as the ‘food basket of the nation’, prices of food remain higher than in many neighbouring states.

He expressed deep concern about external buyers depleting local agro commodities in the state, which not only affects cash retention within the state but also diminishes the value farmers received for their produce.

“With the support of local traders, BIPC aims to position the state as a grain hub, facilitating the aggregation and sale of agricultural products to external buyers.

“We should be able to mop up this produce and sell it directly to traders from outside the state.

“The BIPC is to establish dedicated grain hubs where off-takers can purchase directly, ensuring farmers receive value for their money.

“This initiative will enforce standardized measurements and prompt payments upon delivery,” he said.

Asemakaha further stated that the introduced Warehouse Receipt System will ensure that these services are accessible throughout the state, guaranteeing that farmers receive fair value for their produce.

“This will protect our farmers to have value for their money. We want farmers to know how much a unit costs for their produce,” he emphasized.

The initiative aims to mitigate the risks farmers face in not receiving adequate compensation for their goods.

BIPC also plans to utilize Benue Sacs for agro commodities, allowing for the tracking and management of farm produce.

The President of the Benue Traders Association, Iormua Michael, praised Asemakaha’s leadership initiatives and expressed commitment to supporting BIPC in achieving its objectives.

Other speakers, including Manasseh Torsue, President of the Benue Farmers and Traders Protection and Development Association, raised critical issues affecting market operations in Benue State.

They cited a lack of government involvement, inadequate market regulations, the absence of standard measurement scales, the promotion of customized sacks, high tax levies from unofficial sources, and numerous police checkpoints as significant barriers to market efficiency.

Food security: Benue Govt to establish strategic grain reserve centers

Tribal politics is a popular parlance describing a situation whereby people vote, prefer, or identify with a candidate or political party because they belong to a specific tribe. It’s been used for long, but notable Nigerians mention it regularly of late. It’s against the backdrop of the outcome of the 2023 general election and the
Read More

Tribal politics is a popular parlance describing a situation whereby people vote, prefer, or identify with a candidate or political party because they belong to a specific tribe. It’s been used for long, but notable Nigerians mention it regularly of late. It’s against the backdrop of the outcome of the 2023 general election and the

Read More

Abia State Governor Alex Otti, has announced employment for 15 athletes from the state who won gold and silver medals in international and national sporting competitions. Otti who announced this at his residence in Nvosi, Isialangwa South LGA on Friday during a reception held for Abia athletes who participated in international and national competitions, congratulated
Otti rewards Abia paralympics athletes with employment, cash gifts

Abia State Governor Alex Otti, has announced employment for 15 athletes from the state who won gold and silver medals in international and national sporting competitions.

Otti who announced this at his residence in Nvosi, Isialangwa South LGA on Friday during a reception held for Abia athletes who participated in international and national competitions, congratulated them for making the state proud.

Describing the event as one of his happiest days in office, the governor emphasized that the reward would boost the morale of athletes, and also stop them from leaving the state to seek opportunities abroad.

“Since I assumed office, what I met was that there was an embargo on employment and I’ve maintained it but because of these our athletes that have done well, we don’t want them to japa either to abroad or to other states.

“I am going to lift that embargo to employ about fifteen of them,” he said.

Otti reiterated his administration’s abolition of the non-indigene distinction, stressing that anyone residing in Abia State is considered an Abian.

He announced a cash reward of N20 million for the two paralympic powerlifting international champions , Onyinyechi Gift Mark and Esther Nworgu, while other athletes will get a total of N33 million.

The coaching crew will receive a total of N22 million.

The governor promised to address infrastructural concerns raised by the athletes and also upgrade the Office of the Director of Sportsm

He assured them that a brand-new Coaster Bus would be delivered before the end of November.

The governor who also received former Super Eagles legend, Christian Chukwu, promised to support him by ensuring that he receives the best medical attention to restore his health.

Otti rewards Abia paralympics athletes with employment, cash gifts