The launch of a N46.83 billion agricultural scheme for the Niger Delta by the Federal Government, announced by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Sabo Nanono as part of Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises, is another bold step by the Buhari administration to bring succour to the people of the Niger Delta.
According to the Buhari Media Organisation (BMO), the programme is meant to enhance food security and income in the Niger Delta and the country as a whole.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Niyi Akinsiju and Secretary, Cassidy Madueke, BMO noted that the programme which will be implemented in collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), “is a major life-impacting development for the people of the nine oil-producing states of Abia, Rivers, Imo, Bayelsa, Delta, Ondo, Edo, Akwa Ibom and Cross River.
“This is a clear indication of the attention President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration is paying to the oil-producing areas.
“The measure will also help to further diversify the country’s economy from its dependence on oil. This is a major development and a departure from our age-long dependence on oil and a mono-economy.”
BMO also noted that the project’s objective to “enhance income generation, food security and job security for rural youth and women through agro-enterprise development,’’ will go a long way to ameliorate the suffering of the people of the area, empower them economically and improve their skills.
“It will also reduce rural-urban migration and criminal activities in the region.”
According to the group, the scheme will focus on the following agricultural commodities: palm oil, cassava, plantain, rice, fish, cocoa and poultry.
“We, therefore, enjoin the people of the Niger Delta to key into the scheme and continue to give their unalloyed support to the Federal Government in its efforts to cater for the needs of the people of the region and Nigeria as a whole.”