Governor Oborevwori Disburses Agricultural Inputs to Over 6,000 Farmers, Commits N1 Billion for Food Security

ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has provided agricultural inputs to 6,020 farmers as part of efforts to boost agricultural production and enhance food security in the state.

The distribution took place during the flag-off ceremony under the Result Area 2 – FADAMA (Food Security) of the Delta Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (D-CARES) programme at the Events Centre in Asaba.

Speaking at the event, Governor Oborevwori announced the release of N1 billion in counterpart funding to the Africa Union Development Agency (AUDA) and the New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD), aimed at empowering an additional 2,000 farmers to increase food production, livestock, and aquaculture in Delta State. He emphasized the government’s commitment to strengthening the agricultural sector and ensuring sustainable food security.

“The disbursement of inputs to over 6,000 hardworking farmers across the state is part of our broader initiative to improve agricultural productivity and bolster food security. Agriculture remains a key pillar of our development strategy under the M.O.R.E Agenda, and we are committed to supporting our farmers in their vital role in boosting the economy,” Oborevwori said.

The governor urged beneficiaries to make efficient use of the agricultural inputs to increase their productivity and contribute to the growth of the sector. He reiterated that the government’s goal is to enhance food production, increase household incomes, and improve the livelihoods of thousands of Deltans through targeted interventions in agriculture.

“In collaboration with AUDA-NEPAD, we have approved N1 billion as a counterpart fund to empower 2,000 more farmers for food production, livestock, and aquaculture. This investment is critical for the sustainable development of our agricultural sector and will support our farmers in meeting the goals of the M.O.R.E Agenda’s agricultural reforms,” Oborevwori added.

The Commissioner for Economic Planning and Chairman of the State CARES Steering Committee, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen, noted that the empowerment programme under Result Area 2 was designed to improve food security. He highlighted the key sectors benefiting from the initiative, including poultry, fish farming, cassava cultivation, maize, pepper, and vegetable farming.

Ekedayen urged Deltans to embrace urban farming to address rising food prices and enhance local food production. “Every space available can be used to grow food and contribute to reducing the burden of escalating food costs,” he said.

Several beneficiaries of the programme expressed their gratitude to the governor. Farmers like Friday Imonikebe, Paul Ejuone, and Ifeoma Akinjare praised Oborevwori for the empowerment initiative and commended his administration for significant infrastructural development, particularly the construction of the Emevor-Orogun Road phases 1 and 2.

Governor Oborevwori also commended the Delta CARES team and other stakeholders for their dedication in making the programme a success, stating, “Together, we are building a more resilient Delta, prepared to overcome challenges and seize opportunities.”