Delta State Governor Pledge to Boost Agricultural Sector for Food Security and Job Creation
MBIRI/Nigeria: Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, the Governor of Delta State, has reiterated his commitment to enhancing the agricultural value chain during his visit to the Accelerated Agricultural Development Scheme (AADS) at Mbiri Farm Settlement.
Speaking to reporters after inspecting the facility, which boasts 30 greenhouses for tomato and vegetable cultivation, and the Agro-Industrial Park in Aniocha South and Ika North-East local government areas, respectively, Governor Oborevwori emphasized the administration’s dedication to ensuring food security and employment opportunities in the state.
Highlighting his agenda, known as MORE, the Governor affirmed, “Sustainable agricultural sector reforms are integral to my plan. The continuity of the agricultural value chain is crucial.” Expressing satisfaction with the efforts of the previous administration, he noted, “Our Commissioner for Agriculture has informed me about similar farm settlements across the three senatorial districts. We’ll support these initiatives using the N2 billion Special Agricultural Intervention Fund, set to be disbursed this month.”
Addressing concerns about access roads to the settlements, Governor Oborevwori pledged collaboration with the Ministry of Works to facilitate transportation of produce. He underscored the potential yield from the greenhouses: “Each can yield about three tonnes of tomatoes; with eleven already cultivated out of the thirty, that’s approximately thirty-three tonnes. This region has existed for decades, yet many still travel north for tomatoes. We cannot solely rely on oil; farming is vital, especially with the removal of oil subsidies. Food security matters; our people consume a lot, so ensuring food availability is a priority.”
At the Agro-Industrial Park in Aboh-Ogwashi, slated for rice milling, Governor Oborevwori outlined plans to focus on critical infrastructures beyond road construction, aiming to bolster food security and job creation.
Mr. Perez Omoun, the State Commissioner for Agricultural Development, highlighted the establishment of greenhouse farms under the Accelerated Agricultural Development Scheme in Mbiri, Kpakiama, and Deghele.
Welcoming the Governor, HRM Obi Ifeanyichukwu Alekwe II, the Obi of Mbiri Kingdom, praised Governor Oborevwori for the visit and urged for the construction of farm settlement roads and the establishment of a College of Agriculture in the community.
