AS part of his efforts to tackle the growing national problem of hunger, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, flagged-off of the distribution of the agricultural inputs to beneficiaries under the Result Area 2-FADAMA (Food Security) of the Delta Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus, D-CARES, on Tuesday, in Asaba.
While flagging off the provision of agricultural inputs to 6,020 farmers to boost efforts toward food security through increased agricultural production in Delta State last Tuesday, Governor Oborevwori, disclosed that his government had released N1 billion as counterpart fund for the African Union Development Agency, New Partnership for African Development (AUDA-NEPAD), to aid 2,000 farmers in food production as well as livestock farming and aquaculture.
The Governor emphasized that the initiative was informed by the desire of his administration to boost agricultural production and ensure sustainable food security in the state and the country at large.
While urging the beneficiaries to utilize the opportunity and the inputs judiciously, Oborevwori said; “today’s disbursement is part of that broader initiative, with particular focus on providing over 6,000 of our hardworking farmers with the essential inputs needed to boost agricultural productivity and strengthen food security across the state.
“To meet the Sustainable Agricultural Sector Reforms component of Realistic Reforms of the M.O.R.E Agenda, we are committed to ensuring that the goals of this programme are achieved. Our farmers must receive the necessary support to continue their vital contributions to our economy.
“Agriculture remains a key pillar of our development strategy, and, through this disbursement, we aim to enhance food production, increase household incomes, and, ultimately, improve the livelihood of thousands of Deltans.
“Let me also note here that, in collaboration with the African Union Development Agency, New Partnership for African Development (AUDA-NEPAD) to further strengthen M.O.R.E smallholder farmers in Delta State, N1 billion has been approved as counterpart fund to empower 2,000 farmers for food production, livestock and aquaculture.”
While commending the Delta CARES team and all stakeholders for their dedication to making the programme a success, Governor Oborevwori said: “Together, we are building a more resilient Delta, one that is prepared to overcome challenges and seize opportunities”.
The Commissioner for Economic Planning and Chairman, State CARES Steering Committee, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen, in his remarks, said 6,020 farmers were being empowered under the Result Area 2, which is the food security component of the Delta Cares Programme.
He said the agricultural sector remained an important pillar of the state’s economy, hence the state government was empowering 6,020 farmers to increase productivity in food production under poultry; fish farming, cassava cultivation, maize crop, pepper production and vegetable farming.
He urged Deltans to embrace urban farming by growing crops in available spaces so as to enhance agricultural productivity and help to crash the prohibitive prices of food in the state.
Some of the beneficiaries- Friday Imonikebe, Paul Ejuone and Ifeoma Akinjare- appreciated Governor Oborevwori for the empowerment and lauded him for the many road infrastructural development projects across the state, including the construction of Emevor-Orogun Road phases 1 and 2.
…Buttresses Imperative For Effective Women Empowerment In Nation Building
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Wednesday, called for the deepening of women economic empowerment and financial inclusion programmes across the country to enhance sustainable national development.
Oborevwori made the call during the inauguration of Chairman, Co-Chairman and members of the Steering Committee of Nigeria for Women Project, NFWP, (a World Bank Initiative) in Asaba.
The State Focal Person and Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr Sonny Ekedayen, is the Chairman, while the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Community and Social Development, Mrs Pat Ajudua, is Co-Chairman.
Other members include the Commissioners for Primary Education, Dr Kingsley Ashibuogwu; Water Resources Development, Dr Isaac Tosan Wilkie; Agriculture and Natural Resources, Barr. Val Arenyeka; Trade and Investment, Mr Samuel Oligida; Information, Dr Ifeanyi Osuoza; Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme, and Environment, Mr Ejiro Jamani, as well as the Chief Economic Adviser, Dr Barry Gbe. The Permanent Secretary, Women Affairs, Community and Social Development, Mrs Kevwe Agas, is the Secretary.
Speaking during the inauguration, the Governor commended the World Bank for choosing Delta State for the project, and charged Chairman and members of the committee to approach the task with the seriousness it deserved.
He remarked that the core principles of economic empowerment, capacity- building and social inclusion aligned perfectly with the third pillar of his administration’s MORE agenda, which is Opportunity for All.
The World Bank Team Leader, Nigeria for Women Project, NFWP, Mr Michael Ilesanmi, in his remarks, said the programme remained the World Bank’s flagship project for women’s economic empowerment programme and a transformational impact in families and communities.
He said the project was modelled to help vulnerable women have access to financial inclusion and markets by creating the enabling environment for women to curb malnutrition, thereby reducing infant mortality.
…Tasks Contractor On Speedy Rehabilitation Of Benin-Asaba Highway
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Thursday, urged the contractor engaged by the Federal Government to rehabilitate failed portions of the Benin-Asaba highway to speed up work.
Oborevwori, who spoke through the State Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine Roads), Mr Charles Aniagwu, said the plea became necessary following untold hardship the failure of sections of the highway had inflicted on motorists plying the route.
The Commissioner, who stated this while addressing journalists at Ezenei Junction in Asaba, the state capital, said the failed portions on the highway had been a source of concern to the Governor.
According to him, the failed portions on the Benin-Asaba highway, particularly the Ezenei Junction, had become a source of great concern to the state government.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Friday 27th joined the Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel) family, friends and well-wishers in Canaanland, Ota to celebrate the 70th birth anniversary of the founder and Presiding Bishop of Living Faith Church, Dr David Oyedepo.
