Jane Otu, South South
DAILY COURIER - The Benin National Congress (BNC) has dismissed reports of a brewing crisis within the Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) and its host communities, describing the allegations as baseless and a calculated attempt to spread misinformation.
In a press statement issued by Pastor Amadin Owas, Vice President of BNC Worldwide, the organization emphasized the unprecedented peace and harmony currently enjoyed in NIFOR and its surrounding areas, attributing this success to the administrative excellence of the Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, CON, and his team.
Investigations Reveal Misinformation
Following an alarming publication suggesting unrest over the delay in releasing results of a CEO selection test, the BNC conducted a thorough investigation. It concluded that no Elder’s Forum is demanding such results and that the publication was the work of disgruntled individuals with ulterior motives. The BNC condemned the publication as fake news, designed to destabilize NIFOR and tarnish its reputation.
Achievements of NIFOR Under Current Leadership
The statement highlighted several groundbreaking achievements of the current NIFOR administration within the past year, including:
Staff Welfare: Reduction of transportation costs by over 70%, provision of welfare packages including rice, palm oil, and discounted meat for staff and daily workers.
Scientific Advances: Collaboration with global institutions, such as the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, to develop cutting-edge planting materials, including drought-tolerant, high-yield oil palms and the world’s first oil palm virescens planting materials.
Infrastructure Development: Establishment of a factory for processing and packaging coconut water, an industrial borehole for irrigation, and an ultra-modern date palm model field in Jigawa State for future international trade.
Capacity Building: Expansion of oil palm nurseries from 250,000 seedlings annually to 700,000, rehabilitation of molecular laboratories, and boosting sprouted oil palm seed production to 14 million seeds per annum.
The BNC described these achievements as transformative, noting that they represent the best progress NIFOR has seen in its 84-year history.
Legal Disputes and Call for Resolution
Addressing ongoing legal disputes surrounding the position of Director/Chief Executive Officer of NIFOR, the BNC outlined the contentious history of Dr. Napoleon O. Aisueni’s appointment and subsequent legal battles. The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security had appealed a court judgment favoring Dr. Aisueni, with the case currently pending.
The BNC called on the Honourable Minister of Agriculture to prioritize resolving these legal issues amicably. They suggested settling the matter out of court to enable an objective and transparent selection process for NIFOR’s leadership.
Condemnation of Miscreants and Call for Action
The BNC accused a cohort of aggrieved staff, led by a management member implicated in fraudulent practices, of sponsoring the publication to create unrest. They urged security agencies to investigate and prosecute those responsible for the misinformation, which they claim undermines peace in Edo State.
The statement also condemned the unauthorized use of Senator Adams Oshiomhole’s image in the publication, describing it as a disrespectful attempt to legitimize falsehoods.
The BNC appealed to all stakeholders to maintain peace and support ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Agriculture to resolve pending issues. It also praised the Honourable Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, CON, for his commitment to ensuring legal disputes are addressed without compromising NIFOR’s operations.
The BNC reaffirmed its support for the federal government’s agricultural initiatives and called for continued collaboration to enhance NIFOR’s legacy as a hub for agricultural innovation and development.
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