Business
RSG Partners Israel On Food Security …Relishes Sogho Land Case Court Ruling
As part of measures by the Rivers State Government to boost food security, Governor Chibuike Amaechi, has expressed the readiness of his administration to partner with the State of Israel in agriculture development.
Governor Amaechi gave the indication on Wednesday when he hosted former Israeli Prime Minister, Mr Ehud Olmert in Government House, Port Harcourt.
The state chief executive praised the agricultural progress despite the arid condition, stating that a collaboration with Israel was crucial to drive mechanised farming that would guarantee food security.
Amaechi stated, “Rivers State will be very willing to partner with you, the Israeli people, Israeli companies and the Israel State to see how much we can develop in the areas of agriculture.”
He submitted that the main focus of the government was to use agriculture to empower the people and provide employment to the teeming population in the state.
Earlier, Mr Olmert said his visit was to explore prospects in security partnership between Rivers State and the State of Israel, adding, “I think that there is possibility that we find ways to explore together how to bring in investors, how to develop areas of interest, that are of important to the development of Rivers State in agriculture, in waste management, in building up greener houses and in growing vegetables that will be of the highest quality, as we grow in Israel, instead of buying them overseas.”
He commended the visionary leadership of Governor Amaechi, describing him as a simple and energetic leader who has brought transparency to governance.
Meanwhile, the state government has said that its victory over Sogho community in the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt, over the proposed banana plantation in the area represents a victory for the masses of the state.
Justice Combo Akanbi of the Federal High Court had struck out the matter on the grounds that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the matter.
The judge said that, since the matter bordered in title to land, it would have been better handled at the state High Court or Customary Court.
Reacting to the judgement, the state Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Emmanuel Chindah said that the judgement was not for the government but for the masses.
He said that, the good intention of the government towards the banana plantation would now be brought into reality, noting that, every 250 hectares of the plantation would generate 500 jobs for the people.
John Bibor