The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) has taken steps to resuscitate Rubber Production in the Country.

This according to the ministry is to increase National Wealth Creation, Boost Raw Materials for Production for local Industries and Exportation.

Speaking during the Meeting with the Delegation from International Rubber Study Group (IRSG), at the Ministry’s Conference Room, in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Ernest Umakhihe stated that the Federal Government is committed towards diversifying the economy of the nation from Oil Dependency to Agriculture, with focus on Arable and Cash Crops for Economic Growth and Development in the Country.

Dr. Umakhihe noted that the Ministry over the years had been Prioritizing and Promoting the Development of Rubber Value Chain with the Distribution of improved budded Rubber Stumps Plating Materials, Growth Enhancers to Farmers to raise Plantations and the Facilitation of Training on Nursery Development as well as Tapping Techniques.

He also stated that part of the Initiative was Identification and Management of White Rot Rubber Diseases under Rehabilitation and Management and Replanting of existing Rubber Farms across Rubber Producing States in the Country.

The Permanent Secretary revealed that the Ministry in collaboration with Lohashilpi Sheeting Processing Technology had established Rubber Resource Centre (RRC) in Ovia South West Local Government Area, Edo State.

He therefore urged the Organization to ensure the full implementation of the plan as Stakeholders while pledging the Ministry’s readiness to support the initiative by creating an enabling Environment for Business to thrive.

Moreso, the Head of the delegation, Executive Secretary, International Rubber Study Group(IRSG), Prof, Joseph Adelegan emphasised that the mandate of the group was to revive the Rubber Sub Sector which was on the decline and stimulate investment in the Sector.

He also mentioned some challenges which include low productivity of the existing plantation due to old age, poor Agronomic practices and continued use of low yielding seedlings among others.

Transmission Company Of Nigeria as market operator has shut down supply to the DISCOs supplying Kaduna & Kano.

As the state governors begin to navigate the murky waters of the transfer of power (bill 33) from the exclusive to concurrent legislative lists, the Nigeria Governors Forum will need to sit down in meetings with GENCOs & help them work through issues like:

• Cost of servicing their turbines/FX for spare parts
• Cost of LPFO & what will happen when NGMC deregulates the prices of Gas (Dec 2023)
• Increase in transmission pipes to supply more gas needed by GENCOs

• How deregulation of gas prices will impact the PPA signed with NBET

considering the current historical tariff shortfall from the multi-year tariff order (MYTO).

The NGF will need to incentivize the GENCOs to raise their generation capacity and lay out a plan that will:

• Phase out the historical tariff shortfall
• Privatize a section of TCN

as a means to ensure that the capacity load supplied to a decentralized grid (in the future) is taken fully, and not lost because either the grid keeps collapsing or NBET is unable to pay all their load in the final settlement statement (FSS).

*Considering that the North Central, North West, North-East has a gas supply shortage (and AKK was meant to solve that). And CNG trucks has a limit of 500km it can travel from South South to the North-West & North-East,

Increasing the number of internal transmission pipes for gas, and converting those associated gas from well-heads for gas trapped from future drilling sites in Bauchi (Kolmani 89) and Nasarawa (Ebenyi A) exploration Wells, is key.

Sun Cruise Resort & Yacht is a hotel resort on a coastal riff in Jeongdongjin on the east coast of South Korea.It is a tourist destination known for having the best view of the sunrise in Korea, Sun Cruise Resort & Yacht is the world’s first on-land cruise themed resort.Designed in the image of a cruise ship, notably the Royal Caribbean International Sovereign Class, the hotel is 165 metres (541 ft) long and 45 metres (148 ft) tall and overlooks the beach resort.Built at the top of a large cliff, the hotel looks out over the sea and gives the impression that a cruise ship has run aground.The town of Jeongdongjin is known for its views of the sunrise and sunset over the Sea of Japan (East Sea) and is itself a tourist destination.This has been further enhanced by the construction of the hotel, with its unusual design making it one of the most popular attractions in the country.With its 211 rooms, which include bedrooms and apartments together with six function rooms (for seminars and workshops) and six restaurants, the whole resort gives the visitors a panoramic view of the horizon and the very famous sunsets.The experience to be even bigger, the resort has installed speakers throughout the hotel from which there are sounds of crashing waves.The resort opened in 2002 as a way to give tourists, who didn’t have the money to go on a cruise, the experience of being on one.The resort also contains a park located adjacent to the hotel. Prominent within the landscaped gardens are “The Hands of Promise”, two giant hands rising from the ground, along with a variety of other sculptures.There is also an observation area with a glass floor suspended above the sea, an exhibition hall, and a lake.

The Nigerian Air Forces has concluded plans to commemorate its 59 years of existence with the induction of two new platforms at the NAF Base, Emene in Enugu State.

The new platforms to be inducted are DA-62, Wing Loong II UAV and CW 40 UAV.

The Chairman Organizing Committee, Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Day celebration 2023, Air Commodore Chukwuedo Illoh made the disclosure while briefing newsmen in Abuja on activities lined up for the celebration.

According to him, the brief was organised to formally inform the general public about the forthcoming NAF 59th anniversary celebration themed “Doctrinal Imperative for Successful Nigerian Air Force Operations.“

Air Commodore Illoh said: “The NAF is relying on the media for timely and accurate reportage of every event marking the NAF Day 2023 Celebration.”

He urged the people of Enugu State not to panic due to the movement of war jets that would be taking part in the event.

He said: “There is no doubt that the Service has grown over the years into a formidable and respected force within the African continent and even beyond.”

He noted that pursuant to its mandate of securing the territorial integrity of the nation through the application of air power, the Service is also determined to ensure a peaceful and progressive country.

According to him, the NAF has also made appreciable progress and significant contributions in the areas of internal security, humanitarian and peace-keeping operations as well as restoration and sustenance of democracy on the African continent.

He noted that it is only rational, therefore, to celebrate its existence as well as the laudable achievements recorded over the year.

He added: “The NAF is a highly technical Service with the fundamental mission of ‘ensuring the integrity of the airspace by gaining and maintaining control of the air while retaining a credible capacity to fulfil other air power tasks demanded by the national defence and security imperatives’.

“To this end, this year’s Theme is aimed at emphasizing and promoting air-mindedness among NAF personnel and ensuring a common frame of reference on the most effective approach to air power employment especially in joint military operations at this critical stage in our Nation’s history.

“Accordingly, to mark this year’s NAF day celebration, a series of activities have been lined up to enlighten the citizens of NAF efforts in the fight against insurgency, terrorism and other forms of criminality within the Country.”

He noted that there will be a series of pre-event activities taking place simultaneously at NAF units across the country.

“These activities include Juma’at prayers and Interdenominational Church Service. The Juma’at prayers will take place today, 28 April 2023 while the Inter-denominational Church service takes place on Sunday, 30 April 2023 respectively.

“There will also be medical outreach to host communities across the country on 2 May 2023.

“Furthermore, the Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Wives Association (NAFOWA) will also embark on humanitarian support activities to some selected communities in the country on 4 May 2023.

“All these are geared towards winning the consent and support as well as appreciating Nigerians for their support and goodwill over the years.”

“There will also be a mini Golf Kitty, which will take place in Enugu on Thursday, 4 May 2023.

According to him, for the first time, this year’s anniversary will also feature a Doctrine Penetration Competition among the 6 Commands of the NAF including Headquarters NAF.

This is scheduled to be held on Thursday, 4 May 2023 in addition to the Pulling out Parade of senior officers who recently retired from the Service after many years of meritorious service to our dear Country.

According to him, there will also be Gala Night. These events will take place on Friday, May 5 2023.

“The activities marking the NAF Day Celebration are expected to end on Saturday, 6 May 2023 with a ceremonial parade, aerial display and induction of new platforms into the NAF Order of Battle.

“The new platforms to be inducted are DA-62, Wing Loong II UAV and CW 40 UAV. Other events lined up to round off the celebration are exhibitions and photo gallery displays.

“The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to be the Special Guest of Honour at the occasion. He added.

He expressed his gratitude of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao for your usual support towards projecting a favourable image of the NAF.