Delta’s Acting Governor Calls for Greater Action on Food Security, Marks World Food Day Celebration

ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State’s Acting Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, has underscored the urgent need for all levels of government to prioritise food security and tackle malnutrition, as part of the broader goal of achieving zero hunger by 2030.

Speaking at the 2024 World Food Day celebration, held at the Cenotaph in Asaba, Onyeme identified several critical challenges to food security, including natural hazards linked to climate change, low adoption of modern farming technologies, attacks on farmlands by criminal elements, disruptions in the agricultural supply chain, and a lack of educational support for farmers.

He assured that the Delta State Government is addressing these issues, ensuring that farmers can carry out their activities without undue interference. “We remain committed to promoting smart agriculture and enforcing the Delta State Government Livestock Management Law,” Onyeme said. “Furthermore, we are maintaining a steady supply of agricultural inputs, such as seedlings, seeds, agrochemicals, feeds, and fertilisers, to support our farmers.”

Reflecting on the significance of the day, Onyeme noted that World Food Day, celebrated annually on 16th October, commemorates the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 1945. This year’s theme, ‘Right to Foods for a Better Life and a Better Future,’ underscores the importance of access to food as a fundamental human right.

Citing the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Onyeme stressed that “everyone has the right to an adequate standard of living, including access to nutritious food. It is not a privilege but a right.” He further revealed that the Delta State Government had established a Food Security Committee to drive efforts toward achieving this goal.

The Acting Governor also highlighted recent achievements, noting that more than 6,000 farmers had already benefitted from agricultural input support through the Delta Cares programme, with an additional 2,000 farmers set to receive assistance under a collaboration between the Delta State Government and the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD). Plans are also in place to support 1,000 farmers in cassava and rice production during the next dry season.

Encouraging citizens to engage in farming, Onyeme urged: “Great farmers! As we celebrate this year’s World Food Day, let us all remember that access to food is a right for a better life and a better future. I encourage everyone to take part in farming—whether it’s crops, livestock, or fisheries production.”

In his address, Delta State Commissioner for Agriculture, Val Arenyeka, highlighted the global significance of World Food Day, emphasising that it serves as a platform for stakeholders to assess food security challenges and devise solutions at both national and international levels. He commended the state government’s ongoing support for farmers, especially through initiatives like the Delta Cares programme.

The event’s highlight was a food exhibition tour led by the Acting Governor, where various food items and livestock from Delta State’s 25 local government areas were showcased.