ASABA/Nigeria: The Governor of Delta state, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has called on farmers in the state not to be discouraged but to be resilient in their farming work due to the recent flood that overran 16 local government areas.
Governor Okowa made the call when he addressed farmers during the 2018 World Food Day celebration at the Event Centre in Asaba.
The Governor who was represented by the former member representing Delta Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Emmanuel Agwariawodo, stated that the State Government would join hands with stakeholders to eradicate hunger in the state.
According to Governor Okowa, “The weather condition is very worrisome as many farmers have lost their lives and produce and these has affected 16 local governments in the state.”
The Governor said that this administration has developed a number of strategies to create jobs and increase farm produce in the state.
He called on the federal, private and international agencies to come to the aid of Delta state farmers, even as he encouraged farmers not to relent in what they are doing.
The Permanent Secretary, Delta State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mr Oghoro Augustine said the event is celebrated 16th of October every year to offer a platform for stakeholders to evaluate the nature and extent of world food problem and to have them put in place measures at the sub-national, national and international levels to end hunger, malnutrition and poverty.
Mr Oghoro also said that the theme of this year’s Celebration is, “Achieving Zero Hunger” is goal number two in the sustainable development goals and it call for increase action towards achieving zero hunger by 2030.
The Permanent Secretary further said that the Delta State Government had adopted multiple approaches from inception to reshape the agricultural sector and make it a driver of growth and development in the state through its SMART agenda.
He thank the Governor of Delta state for supporting the Ministry of Agriculture to meet the need of farmers, even as he informed farmers that prizes would be given to the best exhibitors in the celebration.
Highpoint of the event was a food tour which was lead by the Permanent Secretary to inspect farm produce of farmers from different local government in the state.
