Author: nationalpoint

Nigerian Farmers and stakeholders in the agro-sector, have warned that the country is in danger of food shortage as the COVID-19 pandemic hits hard on farmers and the agricultural sector, while stimulus and palliatives to cushion the effects from government remains grossly inadequate.This was contained in a statement made available on Monday and jointly issued by Voices of Food Security (VFS), All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), the Association of Small-Scale Agro-Producers in Nigeria (ASSAPIN), Ogbonge Women Farmers’ Association, Small Scale Women Farmers Organisation in Nigeria (SWOFON) and Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria. (RIFAN).Signed on their behalf by Ms. Bridget…

May 3, 2020, the world marked the World Press Freedom Day, set aside to highlight the role of the press and challenges they face carrying out that role. This special day is meant to be a reminder to governments about their need to commit to a free press and also serves as a day for media professionals to reflect on issues of press freedom, professional ethics and their contribution to societal sustainability.According to the UN, the theme for 2020’s World Press Freedom Day,‘Journalism without Fear or Favour’ is an idea made especially significant during the Covid-19 crisis, as the press…

The Institute for Media and Society, IMS today launched a national Stakeholders’ Conversation on the Media and COVID-19. The launch was announced via a press release. According to the executive director of IMS, Mr. Akin Akingbolu, “the aim of the initiative, which emerged from broad consultations, is to contribute to deepening the delivery of public information and education by the media on COVID-19 in Nigeria”.The Conversation is erected on the foundation that quality and inclusive dialogue is a strong element in the search for solutions to defeat the pandemic.“The Conversation, which runs on an online platform, will focus on the trends…

By Dave Okpogadie, AsabaGovernor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta state has announced the relaxation of lockdown declared on April 1, 2020, as part of measures to check the spread of COVID-19 in the state.In a broadcast in Asaba, Okowa said the relaxation of the lockdown would become effective on Thursday, and explained that it was to encourage economic activities expected to be carried out from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m.He also announced the continuation of the dusk-to-dawn (7 p.m. to 6 a.m.) curfew imposed on April 15, adding that ban on conferences, sporting activities, gathering of people at event centres and…

By Styvn ObodoekweWorried about the harsh impacts of governor Wike’s lock down of some sections of the state on vulnerable and less privileged people as  away of controlling the spread of the COVID 19 pandemic, the Port Harcourt branch of Oba Progressive Union, OPU, an umbrella body of Obaindigenes, Idemili South LGA of Anambra State who are resident in Rivers State, has distributed some food items to some of their community members residing in rivers state who have been badly impacted by weeks of lock down of businesses in the state.The food items aimed at cushioning the negative impacts of…

Protocols,Thank you and good morning.Governor Nyesom WikeToday I’d like to provide our people with an update on the ongoing efforts to contain the transmission of COVID-19 in Rivers State.2. We are in a battle with a dreaded and invisible disease, and as a State Government, we are doing everything within our powers, sparing no efforts to contain this enemy and save the lives of our people.It is therefore important for me to start by expressing our gratitude for everyone that we have engaged in this battle, and most especially, our healthcare workers, who are on the frontlines, working night and…

By Constance MejuLovender Elekwahi, killed by male police officerMore than at any other time in life at least in the last century, women are facing multiple stresses trying to cope with the challenges of the Coronavirus pandemic otherwise known as COVID-19 which has affected almost 3million people and killed almost one million and is still claiming.Following the lockdown declared with various levels of strictness across the country, women have been battling to put food on the table with markets and shops shutdown, offices closed and children at home demanding attention and more food than usual.A worried mother from Oshogbo in…

Alexander Nelson AkariMr. Alexander Nelson Akari was born into the family of Chief Nelson Akari and Mrs. Ajua Nelson of blessed memory. Mr Alex was born in Ghana, in the year 1967 and he came to Rivers State, Nigeria with his parents at a very tender age. He is the third child of his parents amongst eleven (11) siblings.Educational BackgroundMr. Alex attended Township School, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt for his primary education and attended Sea School, Isaka for a period but later completed his secondary education at Alinco Comprehensive School, Port Harcourt. His tertiary education was at the University of…

A tribute by Rowland Ekperi, Patron, Niger Delta Peace Initiative and Development (NDPID) United Kingdom, former President,Ijaw People’s Association (IPA) of Great Britain and Ireland (2003-2009). Presented at the funeral service of Alexander Nelson Akari, at the Dr. Gabriel Okara Cultural Centre, Yenagoa on Saturday, 14 March 2020.Alexander Nelson AkariTo the family of Mr. Alexander Nelson Akari; to the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri; Executive Director, Bayelsa Council for Arts and Culture; Head of Bayelsa State Cultural Troupe and distinguished guests. It is a great honour to be given the opportunity to join you today,…