By – Newsbreeze

The Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency (DSCTDA) has commenced a major enforcement and environmental sanitation exercise at the Koka Interchange and its adjoining corridors in Asaba, as part of efforts to restore order, improve sanitation, enhance security and preserve the aesthetics of the state capital territory.

The exercise, which began on Monday, targets illegal trading activities, unauthorized roadside businesses, indiscriminate parking, illegal loading and offloading of passengers, and other forms of encroachment on public spaces within the Koka axis.

Speaking on the operation, the Director-General of DSCTDA, Mr. Patrick Ukah, said the exercise was designed to ensure the proper use of public infrastructure and maintain environmental standards in one of the busiest gateways into Asaba.

According to him, the enforcement operation is being executed through Public Watch Consultants, a private-sector participant engaged by the agency specifically to monitor and maintain environmental standards around the Koka Interchange and surrounding corridors.
The team is led by its Head, Mr. Francis Igho, while the agency’s Head of Environment, Mr. Isaac Nwosu, is supervising the environmental aspect of the exercise.

Ukah stressed that the operation would not be a one-off exercise but a continuous programme with no terminal date, warning that the agency would adopt a zero-tolerance approach toward individuals and groups who illegally occupy public spaces within the Koka corridor.

The objective is to restore sanity, improve cleanliness, enhance security and ensure that public spaces are used for their intended purposes. We want to create an environment that reflects the status of Asaba as a modern state capital, he stated.

Also speaking, Mr. Isaac Nwosu disclosed that the enforcement followed the expiration of several abatement notices previously issued to illegal traders, unauthorized commercial tricycle operators, roadside occupants and motorists operating in restricted areas.

He explained that routine sweeping, waste collection and refuse evacuation would continue as part of the agency’s environmental sustainability programme. He further revealed that consultations were ongoing with community leaders and relevant stakeholders to facilitate the peaceful relocation of homeless persons and casual labourers occupying unauthorized public spaces.

On his part, Mr. Francis Igho said security personnel and task force officials would maintain a constant presence at the cleared locations to prevent a return of illegal activities as the exercise expands to other sections of the Koka corridor.

Reacting to the development, a commercial transport operator, Mr. Charles Ijeh, appealed to the Delta State Government to provide designated motor parks for transport operators affected by the enforcement exercise.

He noted that members of his transport group belong to a recognized national transport union and regularly remit revenue to the government, adding that the provision of designated parks would enable them to operate legally while helping to reduce traffic congestion and improve public order.

The Manager, Administration and Finance of DSCTDA, Mr. Vincent Ohwofadjeke, reiterated the agency’s commitment to sustaining the enforcement operation, describing it as a necessary step toward protecting public infrastructure, strengthening environmental sanitation, improving traffic management and enhancing public safety across the Delta State Capital Territory.

Residents and commuters have welcomed the initiative, expressing optimism that the exercise will contribute to a cleaner, safer and more organized environment within the Koka Interchange and other strategic locations in Asaba.

By : Sam Ugochukwu

The 2027 Delta State governorship race assumed a new political dimension on Tuesday as the African Action Congress (AAC) governorship candidate, Engr. Isaac Eshor, unveiled an ambitious manifesto promising to break what he described as decades of underdevelopment, economic waste and failure to adequately harness the state’s enormous natural resources.

At the centre of Eshor’s blueprint is a bold promise to deliver 24-hour electricity across Delta State, using the state’s abundant natural gas resources to power industries, businesses and households.
Unveiling the manifesto in Asaba, the maritime expert and industrial advocate declared that Delta could no longer afford a development model in which enormous oil, gas, agricultural and maritime resources exist side by side with unemployment, poor infrastructure, unreliable electricity and struggling businesses.

Eshor argued that Delta State possesses virtually every natural advantage required to become one of Nigeria’s most prosperous economies but has suffered from what he described as poor utilisation of its resources.
He said his administration would pursue an aggressive industrialisation programme built around gas-to-power, agriculture, maritime development, manufacturing and private-sector investment.

Delta Has Gas; Why Are Our People Still in Darkness?’

Eshor’s most striking promise was his commitment to uninterrupted electricity.
He said Delta’s enormous gas reserves provide the state with a natural advantage to develop reliable electricity generation rather than allowing valuable resources to be wasted through gas flaring.

“We believe that uninterrupted power supply is achievable.
Delta State possesses enormous gas reserves that can be converted to energy rather than being wasted through gas flaring.

By utilising these resources to power turbines and generate electricity, we can provide stable power for industries, businesses and households across the state,” he said.
According to him, reliable electricity would be the foundation upon which his administration would build a new industrial economy.

He said the state would encourage local participation in the construction, operation and maintenance of power infrastructure, reducing dependence on foreign contractors and imported materials.
When there is power, industries thrive, businesses expand, jobs are created and families prosper. That is the future we seek to build for Delta State,” Eshor declared.

Eshor: $1bn Agricultural Investment Was Frustrated

The AAC candidate also opened another major political front by revealing that he had previously worked to bring a Pan-African agricultural investment scheme to Delta State, which he said had the potential to attract approximately $1 billion in agricultural investment.

According to Eshor, the proposed agricultural initiative was designed to transform large areas of the state into productive agricultural zones while creating employment opportunities for thousands of residents. He said the project had the potential to generate at least 2,000 direct and indirect jobs in each local government area, depending on the availability of suitable farmland.

But Eshor alleged that the investment initiative was frustrated by the present administration.
He disclosed that from 2023 to early 2025, he held a series of meetings with the Delta State Commissioner for Trade and Investment concerning the proposed investment, but claimed that the efforts did not receive the necessary government support.
“I brought a Pan-African agricultural scheme that would have brought an investment grant capable of attracting about one billion dollars to the state for agricultural development.

It would have brought at least 2,000 direct and indirect jobs for each local government, provided there are enough farmlands in the local government. But I was frustrated by this present administration,he alleged.

The AAC candidate, however, promised that the proposal would return to the table if he wins the 2027 governorship election.

I am going to bring back this same investment when elected because I already have the contacts and connections to actualise it, he declared.

‘₦4.199trn Federal Allocation Demands Answers’

Eshor further raised questions over the management of Delta State’s financial resources, arguing that the enormous funds accruing to the state should be reflected more visibly in the living conditions of its people.
He cited ₦4.199 trillion in federal allocations, excluding internally generated revenue and the state’s 13 per cent derivation, as an indication of the enormous financial resources available to Delta over the period under reference.

The AAC candidate argued that such resources should translate into functioning infrastructure, quality healthcare, modern schools, reliable electricity, employment opportunities and improved living conditions.

Delta cannot continue to be rich on paper while the people remain poor in reality, he said. He promised that his administration would introduce stronger mechanisms of transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.
Free Education, Salary Bonuses
On education, Eshor promised to restore free education in public primary and secondary schools, saying no child should be denied quality education because of the economic circumstances of his or her parents.

He also proposed a monthly ₦100,000 bonus for government-employed teachers, doctors and nurses, while other civil servants would receive a monthly ₦50,000 bonus.

The AAC candidate said improved remuneration would help motivate public servants and retain professionals whose expertise was critical to the development of the state.
He equally promised prompt payment of workers’ salaries and pensioners’ entitlements and proposed reforms to civil service housing and loan schemes.

Free Maternal Healthcare, Treatment for Elderly Deltans
In healthcare, Eshor pledged free maternal healthcare for pregnant women and free medical treatment for Deltans aged 70 years and above.

He also promised to upgrade healthcare infrastructure and improve the welfare and working conditions of medical personnel.

According to him, government must prioritise policies that protect the most vulnerable segments of society.

Eshor Targets Delta’s Maritime Wealth

Another major component of the manifesto is the proposed transformation of Delta into a leading Blue Economy hub in West Africa.

Eshor, a maritime expert, said the state’s coastline, waterways and strategic location provide enormous opportunities in shipping, vessel maintenance, marine transportation, logistics, fisheries and related industries.
He promised to establish a modern dry dock and supporting maritime infrastructure, which he said would attract investment, create jobs and position Delta as a major maritime centre.

Youth Employment and Security

Eshor also promised an aggressive youth empowerment programme, combining vocational training, entrepreneurship, industrial employment and greater youth participation in governance.

On security, he pledged to strengthen community protection mechanisms and work with relevant security agencies to create a safer environment for residents and investors. He said investors would not bring their capital to a state where businesses and communities were insecure.

This Is a Contract, Not Another Political Promise

Eshor described the manifesto as a social contract with the people of Delta State, insisting that the document represents his vision for a fundamental transformation of the state.

“This manifesto is more than a collection of promises. It is a contract with the people of Delta State, founded on integrity, driven by compassion, and guided by a clear vision of prosperity, development and shared progress,” he said.

The unveiling is expected to intensify the political contest ahead of the 2027 governorship election, particularly as issues of electricity, unemployment, agricultural investment, infrastructure, public expenditure, healthcare and economic diversification increasingly dominate political conversations across Delta State.

For Eshor and the AAC, the message is clear: Delta’s enormous natural wealth must no longer remain merely a statistic in government revenue books; it must become electricity in homes, factories in communities, jobs for young people, food on tables and measurable prosperity for ordinary Deltans.

By : Ike Philip Abiagom- Newsbreez

The people of Igbuzo have continued to celebrate one of their most distinguished sons, Pastor Idowu Okeze (Ukpe Igbuzo), whose unwavering commitment to the development and welfare of his community has earned him widespread admiration and respect.

For many residents, Pastor Okeze is more than a philanthropist; he is a passionate community builder whose love for Igbuzo is evident in every initiative he undertakes. Those who know him closely often describe him as a man who dreams Igbuzo, thinks Igbuzo, and feels Igbuzo in everything he does.

Over the years, Pastor Okeze has consistently demonstrated an uncommon dedication to the progress of his hometown. Through his strategic engagements and relentless advocacy, he has attracted numerous developmental opportunities and interventions from the Federal Government, bringing tangible benefits to the people of Igbuzo and its surrounding communities.

These interventions have spanned various sectors, including road infrastructure, water projects, skills acquisition programmes, cooperative development, youth empowerment, and economic support initiatives aimed at improving the living standards of residents.
One of the most remarkable aspects of his humanitarian efforts is his commitment to empowering ordinary citizens. Hundreds of youths, women, artisans, traders, farmers and vulnerable members of society have benefited from programmes facilitated by Pastor Okeze, enabling them to become self-reliant and contribute meaningfully to the local economy.

The latest of such interventions took place on Monday 30th August, 2026 , in what many residents have described as one of the most impactful empowerment programmes ever witnessed in the community. Under an initiative facilitated through the Federal Cooperative College, Oji River, one hundred skilled individuals received financial and material support to strengthen their businesses and improve their livelihoods.
The programme attracted widespread commendation from community leaders, youths, women groups and beneficiaries, many of whom described the intervention as timely and life-changing.

Speaking at the event, beneficiaries expressed gratitude to Pastor Okeze for his consistency in touching lives and creating opportunities for the people. They noted that while many individuals make promises, Pastor Okeze has distinguished himself through action and measurable results.

Community stakeholders also praised his developmental vision, noting that his efforts have helped position Igbuzo as a beneficiary of several government programmes that might otherwise have passed the community by.
According to many residents, what sets Pastor Okeze apart is not merely the scale of his interventions but the sincerity behind them. His philanthropic activities are driven by a genuine desire to see Igbuzo grow, prosper and take its rightful place among leading communities in Delta State.

As the applause continues to pour in following the recent empowerment programme, there is a growing consensus among residents that Pastor Idowu Okeze has become a symbol of selfless service, community development and grassroots empowerment.

Indeed, in a time when many communities yearn for visionary leadership and genuine commitment to the welfare of the people, Pastor Okeze stands out as a shining example of what can be achieved when one individual dedicates his resources, influence and energy to the service of his people.

For the people of Igbuzo, the verdict is clear: Pastor Idowu Okeze is not only a philanthropist but a true ambassador of community development whose legacy of service will be remembered for generations to come.

By: Ike Philip Abiagom

No fewer than 100 cooperators from Igbuzo and neighbouring communities are set to benefit from a Federal Government-backed empowerment programme facilitated by renowned philanthropist and community leader, Pastor Idowu Okeze,(Ukpe Igbuzo) in collaboration with the Federal Cooperative College, Oji River.

The empowerment programme, scheduled to hold on Monday, August 31, 2026, at St. Augustine’s College, Igbuzo, is aimed at promoting entrepreneurship, self-reliance, job creation and sustainable economic development among beneficiaries.

As part of the initiative, participants will receive various vocational tools and equipment, including generator sets, washing machines, gas cylinders, industrial sewing machines, hair dryers, ovens, cooking pots, standing fans and other essential starter packs designed to support small-scale businesses and skilled trades.

Speaking ahead of the event, the Empowerment Coordinator, Dr. Adigwe, said the items were carefully selected to enable beneficiaries establish or expand their businesses, improve their sources of income and contribute meaningfully to the economic growth of their communities.

According to him, the programme is designed to provide practical support for trained cooperators and skilled individuals, with the broader objective of fostering financial independence, reducing unemployment and creating a new generation of entrepreneurs and employers of labour.

Investigations revealed that the 100 successful beneficiaries emerged from over 700 applicants who participated in a rigorous screening and assessment exercise.

The selection process was structured to ensure transparency and fairness, with only qualified candidates in various vocational fields making the final list.

The beneficiaries were drawn from diverse trades, including tailoring, hairdressing, dry-cleaning, leatherwork, catering and baking, barbering, electrical installation and maintenance, and make-up artistry.

The screening committee was constituted by Pastor Okeze and chaired by the President-General of the Ibusa Community Development Union (ICDU) Worldwide, Chief Victor Uchunor, with the support of other respected community leaders and stakeholders.

The forthcoming empowerment programme has generated widespread excitement across Igbuzo and neighbouring communities, with many residents describing it as a major intervention capable of reducing unemployment, stimulating small-scale enterprises and improving the living standards of beneficiaries and their families.

Community leaders have particularly commended Pastor Okeze for facilitating the initiative, noting that it reflects his longstanding commitment to youth empowerment, poverty alleviation and community development.

Observers believe the programme will have a positive ripple effect on the local economy by creating opportunities for wealth generation, encouraging productive engagement among youths and skilled workers, and strengthening grassroots economic activities.

They further noted that the initiative highlights the importance of collaboration between community leaders and government institutions in tackling unemployment and promoting inclusive economic growth at the grassroots level.

By Ike Philip Abiagom

When Dr. Jude Ejikeme Obidiegwu took over leadership of the institution as Provost and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Cooperative College, Oji River, in September/November 2024, succeeding the outgoing provost, Dr. Owan Tonica. he inherited an institution with enormous potential and a strategic mandate to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s human-capital development.

Today, his tenure is increasingly associated with a renewed vision, stronger partnerships, academic expansion, agricultural innovation and a deliberate effort to reposition the college as a modern centre for cooperative education, entrepreneurship and skills development.

For Dr. Obidiegwu, leadership of the college is not simply about administering an academic institution. It is about building an institution capable of responding to the economic realities facing young Nigerians and contributing to the Federal Government’s drive for food security, job creation and sustainable economic development.

A New Vision for the College

At the heart of the Obidiegwu administration is the determination to transform the Federal Cooperative College, Oji River, into a world-class learning and agricultural innovation centre.

The Provost has consistently advocated a model of education that combines academic knowledge with practical skills, entrepreneurship and industry-relevant training.

Under his leadership, the college has increasingly opened its doors to strategic partnerships involving government institutions, international organisations, universities, cooperative stakeholders and development-oriented individuals.

The objective is clear: to produce graduates who can create opportunities for themselves and others rather than depend solely on conventional white-collar employment.

Presidential Recognition

One of the most significant moments in the transformation journey was the recognition of the college’s progress at the presidential level.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, during an engagement involving the institution, commended the transformation taking place at the Federal Cooperative College, Oji River.

The recognition was significant because it provided external validation of the efforts of the management to improve the institution’s infrastructure, learning environment, human resources and overall institutional outlook.

For an institution with a mandate that cuts across cooperative development, agriculture and entrepreneurship, such recognition further strengthened the confidence of stakeholders in the direction of the college.

Expansion of Academic Programmes

Another important aspect of Dr. Obidiegwu’s administration is the drive to expand the academic profile of the institution.

The college has moved towards introducing additional programmes designed to respond to emerging economic opportunities and the changing demands of the labour market.

Among the programmes proposed are Mass Communication, Agricultural Technology, Home and Resource Economics, Hospitality and Tourism Management, and Science Laboratory Technology.

The expansion is expected to broaden educational opportunities for young Nigerians while creating a stronger multidisciplinary foundation for the college.

Agriculture at the Centre of Development

Dr. Obidiegwu has placed agriculture and aquaculture prominently on the institution’s development agenda.

This is particularly significant at a time when Nigeria is seeking innovative ways to improve food production, reduce dependence on food imports and create sustainable employment for young people.

The college has consequently strengthened its engagement in fish farming, agricultural technology and practical skills acquisition.

Through workshops, training programmes and technical collaborations, students and participants are being exposed to modern approaches to aquaculture and agricultural production.

The philosophy is that education should not end in the classroom. It should translate into productive enterprise.

Historic Partnership with Thailand

Perhaps one of the most promising developments under the current administration is the college’s growing international partnership with Thailand.

The collaboration involving the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA), Kasetsart University and the Federal Cooperative College, Oji River, has opened a new chapter in international cooperation.

The partnership focuses on agricultural education, aquaculture, technology transfer, youth development, entrepreneurship and practical skills acquisition.

The planned development of a standard fish farm and agricultural learning facilities through the partnership is expected to give students practical exposure to modern agricultural production systems.

It is a development that could potentially position Oji River as an important destination for agricultural learning and innovation.

From Cooperative Education to Enterprise Development

Dr. Obidiegwu’s leadership philosophy appears to recognise that cooperative education cannot remain isolated from the broader Nigerian economy.

Consequently, his administration has sought to strengthen the relationship between cooperative education, agriculture, entrepreneurship and enterprise development.

The objective is to equip graduates with the knowledge and practical capacity required to form viable cooperatives, establish businesses, manage enterprises and participate effectively in Nigeria’s evolving economy.

This approach also aligns with the broader national conversation on youth empowerment and economic inclusion.

Investment in Human Capital

Institutional transformation, however, cannot be sustained without competent and motivated personnel.

Dr. Obidiegwu has therefore placed emphasis on staff development, reorientation and capacity building.

Through staff engagements and professional development initiatives, the administration has sought to build a workforce capable of operating within a modern and increasingly competitive educational environment.

The message from the management has been that institutional excellence requires teamwork, discipline, professionalism, accountability and commitment to service.

Putting Students at the Centre

Another defining feature of the Obidiegwu administration is its emphasis on students.

The Provost has repeatedly stressed the importance of creating a conducive environment where students can learn, develop practical skills and pursue their educational ambitions without unnecessary obstacles.

His administration has also welcomed initiatives by stakeholders seeking to provide scholarships and educational support to students of the institution.

Such interventions are particularly important for young people from economically disadvantaged backgrounds who might otherwise struggle to access quality education.

Building Strategic Partnerships

The transformation of the college has also been driven by an increasingly partnership-oriented approach.

Rather than operating as an isolated institution, the college under Dr. Obidiegwu has engaged government agencies, legislators, universities, international development partners, cooperative organisations and other stakeholders.

These partnerships have created opportunities for training, scholarships, agricultural development, technical cooperation and institutional growth.

The emerging picture is that of a college becoming more connected to the wider national and international development ecosystem.

A College with a Bigger Future

For many observers, the significance of Dr. Obidiegwu’s tenure lies not merely in individual projects but in the direction of the institution.

His administration is seeking to redefine what a Federal Cooperative College can become in contemporary Nigeria: a place where cooperative education meets agriculture; where agriculture meets technology; where technology meets entrepreneurship; and where education ultimately translates into economic empowerment.

The transformation is still a work in progress, but the trajectory is increasingly visible.

From academic expansion and international cooperation to agricultural innovation, staff development and student empowerment, the Federal Cooperative College, Oji River, is steadily building a stronger institutional identity.

The Obidiegwu Legacy

Leadership is ultimately measured by the institutions leaders leave behind.For Dr. Jude Ejikeme Obidiegwu, the emerging legacy is one of transformation, innovation and renewed ambition.

His administration has demonstrated that a cooperative college can play a much broader role in national development by combining education with practical enterprise, agriculture, technology and human-capital development.

As Nigeria searches for sustainable solutions to unemployment, food insecurity and youth restiveness, institutions such as the Federal Cooperative College, Oji River, have a critical role to play.

And under Dr. Obidiegwu’s leadership, the college appears determined to rise to that challenge.

The story of Federal Cooperative College, Oji River, is therefore no longer simply about an institution teaching cooperative principles. It is increasingly a story about transformation, opportunity and a new generation being prepared to create value in Nigeria’s economy.

Dr. Jude Obidiegwu may have inherited the responsibility of leading the college, but his ambition appears to be much bigger: to leave behind an institution that is stronger, more relevant, more innovative and better prepared for the future.

By : Ike Philip Abiagom

The Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency (DSCTDA) has stepped up its environmental sanitation campaign across Asaba, embarking on an extensive cleaning exercise aimed at improving cleanliness, preventing flooding and enhancing the beauty of the Delta State capital.

The ongoing intervention, which began on Tuesday, has seen officials and environmental personnel deployed to key roads and drainage channels across the city to remove overgrown weeds, accumulated sand, refuse, silt and other waste materials hindering the free flow of water and affecting the appearance of public spaces.

Areas currently benefiting from the exercise include the link road connecting Maryam Babangida Way and DBS Road, Anwai Road stretching from the Government House Gate to Camp 74 Junction, DBS Road, the link road between DBS Road and WAEC Road, as well as Jesus Saves Road.

The sanitation operation also covers critical drainage infrastructure, including the Squash Club Road Drain and NTA Road drains, where workers are clearing blockages and evacuating debris to approved government dumpsites for proper disposal.

The exercise is being closely supervised by the Director-General of DSCTDA, Chief  Patrick Ukah, alongside the Agency’s Head of Environment, Mr. Isaac Nwosu, who have maintained regular monitoring of the project to ensure effective execution and compliance with environmental standards.
According to the Agency, the initiative forms part of its continuous commitment to maintaining a clean and healthy environment, improving drainage efficiency and supporting the ongoing transformation and beautification of the Delta State Capital Territory.

DSCTDA further disclosed that the exercise will be extended to other identified locations within the capital city as part of efforts to sustain environmental cleanliness, promote public health and create a safer and more attractive urban environment for residents and visitors alike.

By : Ike Philip Abiagom

A new era of agricultural cooperation between Federal Cooperative College,  Oji River- Nigeria and Thailand has begun following the signing of a Record of Discussions involving the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA), Kasetsart University (KU), Thailand, and the Federal Cooperative College, Oji River (FCCO), aimed at strengthening agricultural education, aquaculture development, youth empowerment, and enterprise creation.
The landmark agreement was formalized during a signing ceremony and luncheon dialogue held at the Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, where government officials, academics, development experts, and stakeholders from both countries gathered to chart a new course for sustainable agricultural development.

A major highlight of the partnership is the establishment of a standard fish farm at the Federal Cooperative College, Oji River, which will be fully funded by the Government of Thailand. The project is expected to serve as a centre for practical learning, modern aquaculture training, research, and technology transfer, while equipping students and young entrepreneurs with skills required to thrive in the agricultural sector.

The collaboration will also facilitate student exchange programmes between Nigeria and Thailand, academic cooperation, technical assistance, institutional capacity building, and knowledge-sharing initiatives between Federal Cooperative College  Oji-River and Kasetsart University, one of Thailand’s leading institutions in agricultural education and research.

Speaking at the event, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, described the initiative as a strategic partnership capable of connecting youth, innovation, and business development in ways that would transform the agricultural landscape.

He noted that Nigeria’s growing youth population requires practical opportunities beyond conventional farming and emphasized that exposure to technology, entrepreneurship, international best practices, and skills acquisition would make agriculture more attractive and commercially rewarding for young people.

The signing ceremony was attended by distinguished representatives from both nations, including Mr. Chulvat Narinthrangura, Director-General of the Thailand International Cooperation Agency; His Excellency Mr. Thirapath Mongkolnavin, Ambassador of Thailand to Nigeria; Assistant Professor Khongsak Thiangtum, President of Kasetsart University; and Dr. Jude Ejikeme Obidiegwu, Provost and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Cooperative College, Oji River along with Pastor Idowu Chukwudi Okeze.

1. The exchange of the Record of Discussions was witnessed by Senator Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi and His Excellency Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, underscoring the strong government-to-government commitment behind the initiative.

Beyond the formal signing ceremony, discussions focused on how international partnerships can create real opportunities for young people and contribute to economic growth through agriculture.
This formed the basis of a high-level panel session titled “Building Sustainable Partnerships: Connecting Youth, Innovation and Business between Thailand and Nigeria.”
Panelists included Professor Kornsorn Srikulnath, Assistant to the President for Research and Internationalization at Kasetsart University; Dr. Jude Ejikeme Obidiegwu of FCCO; and Ms. Aline M. Mugisho, Country Convener of CGIAR Nigeria/IITA.
The panel examined practical ways of translating institutional agreements into measurable benefits for young people through skills development, entrepreneurship, innovation, and participation in agricultural value chains.

Stakeholders noted that the fish farm project and exchange programmes would expose Nigerian students to global best practices while strengthening local capacity in modern agricultural production and agribusiness management.

The initiative is also seen as part of Thailand’s broader development cooperation with Nigeria, focusing on areas where technical expertise, education, and innovation can improve livelihoods and drive sustainable growth.
Among those present at the groundbreaking and Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony was Pastor Idowu Chukwudi Okeze, Director of Procurement at the Federal Cooperative College, Oji River. His participation reflected the institution’s commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of the partnership and the realization of its long-term benefits.

Observers described the agreement as a significant milestone in Nigeria-Thailand relations and a practical model of international collaboration capable of creating opportunities for young people, strengthening food security, and advancing sustainable agricultural development in both countries.

With the establishment of the Thailand-funded fish farm and the introduction of academic exchange programmes, the partnership is expected to serve as a catalyst for innovation, skills acquisition, and agricultural transformation, while deepening bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and Thailand.