RVHA Approves N2billion Agric Loan

The Rivers State House of Assembly, yesterday approved the sum of N2billion for the state government to obtain a grant under the Federal Government and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) N200billion Agricultural credit scheme for the state.

The approval followed a letter from the state Governor, Rt Hon Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi to the House, requesting for the approval to enable the  state government access N2billion credit grant from Zenith Bank Plc under the FGN/CBN commercial Agriculture credit scheme currently being pursued by all state of the federation.

Reading the governor’s letter at the  floor of the House, the chairman, House committee on Agriculture, Hon Ewor Nname told the lawmakers that the letter was sequel to representations made by the commissioner for Agriculture to the state executive council seeking approval to access the N2billion from Zenith Bank Plc under the FGN/CBN scheme.

Hon Nname stated that the fund, if accessed will be utilized in the development of the oil palm and other sectors, adding that the state has some comparative advantage in agriculture.

The lawmaker stated that the state executive council at its recent meeting approved the submission made by the commissioner for Agriculture in that regards in order to enhanced development of agriculture in the state, adding that some states had already accessed the fund.

He continued that over 241 registered cooperatives farmers in the 23 local government areas of the state have indicated their interest and willingness to access the fund, adding that the state government can not access the huge sum of money without the knowledge and approval of the state House of Assembly.

He thus urged the lawmakers to approve the governor’s request, saying that the gesture would boost agriculture in the state.

Kick starting debate on the matter, Hon Kitchner Ibroma while urging the lawmakers to give the governor’s request emphasized the urgent attention it deserved.

He that the measure would further reveal the state government’s commitment to agricultural development in the state.

In their various contributions, Hon Kamalu Isaac, Taneh Felicia, Hope Ikiriko, Onari Brown and Hon Ogiri Henry stated that the fund, if approved as requested by the state governor, will assist in the production of food in the state.

The lawmakers described the request as timely and legitimate, noting that agricultural development is a basic tool for economic development of any state.

The state legislators were unanimous that the fund being sought by the state government would serve an encouragement for farmers in the state.

Blessing Effiong