Delta State Governor Urges Action Against Flood and Water Pollution for Food Security

ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has raised a clarion call for concerted efforts from the Federal Government and the United Nations to address the critical issues of flood and water pollution plaguing Nigeria, which pose substantial threats to food production and overall food security within the nation.

The Governor made this impassioned plea during his address at the 2023 World Food Day Celebration, held under the compelling theme, “Water is life, water is food, leave no one behind.” The event unfolded at the majestic Cenotaph in Asaba on a Monday morning.

Represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, Governor Oborevwori emphasized the event’s purpose: promoting global awareness and taking action to combat hunger, while underlining the importance of ensuring healthy diets for all.

Oborevwori articulated a grim reality, asserting that while water comprises more than 50 percent of the human body and envelops around 71 percent of the Earth’s surface, only a meager 2.5 percent qualifies as fresh water suitable for drinking, agricultural use, and most industrial applications.

He asserted, “It is crucial to underscore that water serves as a vital force propelling individuals, economies, and the natural world, forming the bedrock of our food production.”

The Governor turned to data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), which paints a stark picture of the world’s reliance on water resources in the global food system. Agriculture consumes a staggering 72 percent of the planet’s fresh water. Furthermore, aquatic food systems support the livelihoods of approximately 600 million people, producing a significant proportion of the world’s food.

Oborevwori did not shy away from confronting the escalating strain on the world’s water resources, attributing it to population growth, urbanization, economic expansion, and the looming specter of climate change. In light of these challenges, he contended that effective water management is imperative to safeguard sustainable food production.

Notably, Delta State boasts an environment ideally suited for agriculture and fisheries, endowed with vast land areas suitable for cultivating a diverse range of crops, as well as freshwater and mangrove swamps. Nonetheless, pervasive pollution remains a major impediment to fully exploiting these water resources, a consequence of oil exploration activities, evidenced by waste irresponsibly dumped into rivers and streams.

The deleterious effects of poor water quality ripple across society, affecting individuals, the economy, and the environment. Governor Oborevwori stressed the urgency for both the Federal Government and the United Nations to intervene to unlock the full potential of water resources in Nigeria.

In addition to water-related concerns, the Governor highlighted the recurrent issue of flooding in Delta State and other parts of the country. He lamented its impact on farmers, who grapple with uncertainty about reaping economic benefits from their annual agricultural endeavors.

The insurmountable losses incurred by farmers due to flooding defy quantification, and the psychological toll on the populace remains substantial. Delta State, sadly, finds itself among the states forecasted to endure the ravages of flooding in the current year.

Governor Oborevwori acknowledged the warning signals and underscored the preparedness of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the State Flood Disaster Management Committee to mitigate the impact of flooding on the local population.

The Governor extended an olive branch to collaborate with various government bodies, organizations, and individuals to address the challenges confronting farmers, aligning with the “M.O.R.E Agenda” aimed at fostering holistic development for the people of Delta.

With pride, Governor Oborevwori lauded the burgeoning global demand for agricultural products from Delta State, spanning a wide spectrum from oil palm, maize, cassava, yam, fruits, vegetables, tomatoes, pepper, poultry, and both freshwater and brackish water fish to tapioca, spices, and numerous other agricultural products and by-products.

He pledged unwavering support for the people of Delta State, envisioning a resilient food system underpinned by improved agricultural practices, flood-resistant crop varieties, soil and water conservation techniques, and climate-smart agriculture.

He underscored the vast potential to expand the state’s export capacity by harnessing its abundant water resources and arable land, positing that such a strategy could engender new employment opportunities, foster economic growth, and enhance food security. Consequently, the agricultural sector remains a foremost priority for his administration.

Perez Omoun, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, welcomed the gathering earlier and delineated the state’s commitment to enhancing the agricultural value chain in alignment with the Governor’s M.O.R.E Agenda.

Omoun spotlighted the Delta State Accelerated Agricultural Development Scheme (AADS) and its role in developing greenhouse farming sites across three distinct agro-ecological zones, demonstrating the government’s emphasis on empowerment.

Under the ambit of oil palm production, Omoun conveyed the impressive feat of raising over 1,490,000 oil palm seedlings across three nursery sites. This monumental effort is slated to establish an additional 9,933 hectares of oil palm plantations in the state, bolstering the sector’s significance.

In response to the conducive environment and incentives bolstering aquaculture in Delta State, over 5,000 youths have delved into aquaculture, cultivating cluster fish farms managed by cooperative societies across the state.

In conclusion, the Commissioner lauded Governor Oborevwori for his unwavering support for farmers, which not only augments agricultural productivity but also fosters economic growth, job creation, and improved food security within the state.

The ceremony was replete with a captivating food exhibition, showcasing the diverse offerings of farmers hailing from different corners of Delta State, a testament to the region’s agricultural prowess and potential.