Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborewori has said the state government has approved and released the sum of N1 billion as its counterpart fund with the African Union Development Agency under the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD) to empower smallholder farmers in the state.
Oborewori made the disclosure during the disbursement of Agricultural inputs to 6,130 beneficiaries under the Result Area 2- Delta Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (D-CARES) Program, aimed at enhancing food security in the state.
According to him, “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 program 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.
“I urge the beneficiaries to make use of this opportunity by utilizing the inputs effectively to improve their harvest and contribute to the growth of the agricultural sector in our state.
“Let me also note here that in collaboration with the Africa Union Development Agency, New Partnership for African Development (AUDA NEPAD) to further strengthen M.O.R.E smallholder farmers in Delta State, N1Billion naira has been approved as counterpart fund to empower 2,000 farmers for food production, livestock and aquaculture.
“I commend the Delta CARES team and all stakeholders for their dedication in making this program a success. Together, we are building a more resilient Delta, one that is prepared to overcome the challenges and seize opportunities.”
Earlier, the State Commissioner for Economic Planning and Chairman of the State CARES Steering Committee, Mr Sonny Ekedayen, said the event marks the implementation of the fourth circle of disbursement under the Delta CARES programme, with a focus on food security and intervention programmes.
He pointed out that the agricultural sector remains one of the pillars of the state economy, adding that the state would continue to ensure that farmers are equipped with the necessary inputs to increase production, increase livelihood, and contribute to food security and the overall well-being of its people.
In her vote of thanks, the State Coordinator, Delta CARES Programme and Secretary State CARES Steering Committee, Dr. Patience Ogbewe, thanked the governor for support and providing the committee an enabling environment to function.
She urged the beneficiaries to put the items to good use and assured of the committee’s commitment to ensure that the programme was a huge success.
Some of the beneficiaries who received their vouchers from the state governor, thanked him for the initiatives, saying it would go a long way in improving their farm produce and capacity.
According to Ossia Sunday, a cassava farmer, he has over five employees that assist him in cultivating over 3 acres of land, the inputs will go a long way in boosting his production.
Another beneficiary, Anthony Adegun, a tomato farmer, said with the gesture of the state government, it was only a matter of time before the state begins to compete with Benue state as the food basket of the nation.
