By Ese Obote-Ogwu
OWA-OFIE/Nigeria: Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has reiterated his administration’s determination to invest heavily in agriculture as a major driver of the state’s economy.
Speaking at Owa-Ofie community in Ika North East Local Government Area during the continuation of the 5th tranche of agricultural inputs distribution to beneficiaries of the D-CARES Programme’s Result Area 2 (FADAMA), the Governor, represented by the Commissioner for Economic Planning and Chairman, State CARES Steering Committee, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen, said the state remains committed to boosting agricultural productivity and ensuring food security.
He noted that through D-CARES, government is providing critical farming inputs, building capacity among farmers, and promoting economic resilience for long-term growth. Urging the 40 poultry farmers and 30 maize farmers benefiting from the intervention to make judicious use of the support, the Governor advised them to apply the knowledge gained from extension workers and share it with other farmers to help achieve food sufficiency.
Oborevwori commended the beneficiaries for their modest dressing and the cleanliness of their community, describing the event as an example of government’s growing support for those who sustain the state’s food system.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Barrister Val Areyinka, explained that the programme is part of the state government’s ongoing efforts to support farmers despite the current economic challenges. He said the intervention has already improved food availability in markets, with many farmers benefiting from earlier tranches.
Also speaking, the Chief Political Strategist to the Governor, Dr. Festus Okubor, in his goodwill message delivered in Ika dialect, urged the farmers to make the most of the inputs, reminding them that “to whom much is given, much is expected,” and encouraging them to continue supporting the Governor’s developmental agenda.
The State Coordinator of D-CARES, Dr. Patience Ogbewe, represented by Mr. Chris Onyenike, Director of Operations, State CARES Coordinating Unit, said the best way to appreciate the Governor’s support is to fully achieve the programme’s goals and maximize the resources provided.
In appreciation, poultry farmer Mr. Okonta Broderick thanked the Governor for extending the programme to their community, while maize farmer Mrs. Justina Erikume broke into song and dance to express her gratitude.
The event climaxed with the distribution of agricultural inputs to the farmers and a vibrant cultural performance by the community’s dance troupe.
