August 21, (THEWILL) – In continuation of his familiarisation tour of the core mandate areas of the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority (NDBDA), Prince Ebitimi Amgbare, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the agency, on Tuesday, met with Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, in Government House, Asaba.
Amgbare, who was accompanied on the visit by the Director of Agriculture Services, Dr. Roland Gbarabe; Director of Engineering Services, Engr. Quadri Olatubosun, and other staff of the agency, informed that the interventionist agency seeks to partner with the State Government for greater food production for the people.
The NDBDA boss, who also informed that the agency’s farms are in several communities in the state, including Orogun, Obodo, Isiokolo, Koko, and Imensi farms in the Idemili area office, appealed for necessary support.
“As a Basin Authority, we must collaborate with the State Government. It is an interventionist agency. We need you to partner with us to produce food for the people. Please give us all the necessary support,” he appealed.
Representing Oborevwori, the Deputy Governor of the state, Monday Onyeme, expressed the State Government’s preparedness to partner with the agency for food security.
Onyema said the State Government has so much interest in food security and has set up committees in this regard with him as chairman of one of the committees.
He assures the NDBDA boss of the State Government’s readiness to assist the agency to succeed in its drive to produce abundant food in the state.
“We have so much interest in food security. The State Government has even set up two committees to boost food security in the state.
“I am a farmer. Your presence in 18 LGAs in the Niger Delta is huge. The Delta State Government is hundred percent willing to partner with the NDBDA.
“Furnish us with your locations and how we can partner with you. With our committee on food security, we will need experts from other areas to put us through.
“It will also make the dividends of democracy get to the people. With our combined efforts we will be able to provide food for our people
“By your visit, a very important collaboration between the Delta State Government and the NDBDA has taken place today.”
Amgbare also visited the Orogun and Isiokolo area offices of the agency during the tour of the state.
The NDBDA boss, who was received by Chief Wilfred Oliseneku, President-General of Emonu Community, Orogun and members of staff of the agency’s Orogun office, expressed delight at the presence of massive assets of the agency and promised to make them functional soon.
He said the vision of the agency is to revive the various farm products in the area offices as a massive market and a hub of farm products for buyers.
“I am happy to see the wonderful assets here. For us, it is to make them work. We should see people here, build a market, make it a hub,” he added.
At the Isiokolo farms of the Agency, the MD/CEO commended the members of staff for making the place functional despite the challenges.
Amgbare, who was received by Urang Nyanam Desmond, the Area Manager and staff of the office, assured them of the agency’s readiness to revamp the place through renewed funding to achieve the desired food security.
He also assured them that the agency’s collaboration with the State Government will bring better results soon.
The NDBDA boss was also at the famous Peremabiri Rice Farm in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State on Monday, where he disclosed plans to revive it.
He also appealed for cooperation from members of the community to make it a reality.
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
