BY RITA OYIBOKA
The Delta State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Val Arenyeka has commended the efforts of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to support the poultry sector, citing significant interventions to address the challenges of flooding, rising feed costs, and avian diseases.
Speaking through his Special Assistant, Mr. Uche Egbuche, at the state’s World Egg Day celebration, Arenyeka applauded targeted government initiatives, including the distribution of maize and essential poultry feed, to safeguard the livelihoods of farmers and strengthen food security in the state.
During his remarks, Mr Egbuche lauded Nigeria’s leadership in egg production, revealing that the country produces over 21 billion eggs annually, with the poultry sector employing millions of Nigerians and contributing six to eight per cent of the national GDP.
Despite these impressive figures, he underscored the precarious state of the poultry industry in Delta State. “In recent years, Delta’s poultry sector has faced significant setbacks, particularly due to floods that have ravaged several local government areas, along with rising feed costs and avian diseases.
“Under the MORE Agenda of His Excellency, we have implemented several measures to mitigate these challenges, including the release of maize to farmers and the distribution of essential poultry feed and medication through the Delta State Agricultural Development Programme (DSADP).” He also highlighted the state’s efforts to create a comprehensive farmer database to ensure that genuine farmers benefit from government interventions aimed at boosting food security and agricultural productivity.
The commissioner further thanked all stakeholders in the poultry value chain, especially the Poultry Association, Delta State chapter, for their relentless efforts to ensure quality egg production despite economic challenges.
In his welcome address, the Director of Livestock at the Ministry, Mr Martins Okolie extolled the nutritional and economic significance of eggs, describing it as a “complete and wholesome meal” that contributes to the health and well-being of individuals. The Executive Assistant to the Governor on Agriculture, Dr Philip Okwuada, echoed these sentiments, commending Governor Oborevwori’s maize palliative initiative, which has bolstered egg production across the state. Dr. Okwuada noted that the increased production has benefited over 50 orphanages.
Further emphasising the need for continued government support, the State Chairman of the Poultry Association of Nigeria, Chief Eric Tomfawei, represented by Dr Festus Chukwuma, called for greater investment in the sector to help it overcome its challenges and unlock its full potential in contributing to food security and economic development.
The World Egg Day celebration also featured a roadshow and a lecture on poultry production by Deputy Director of the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr Thomas Magini, who urged students present at the event to consider animal husbandry as a viable career path.
