Agric Confab: RSG Lauds CBN, Others

The Rivers State Commissioner for Agriculture, Mrs Onimim Jack, has expressed delight with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), Bank of Industry (BoI), African Development Bank  (AfDB) and other agencies over their support for the growth of agriculture in the state.
The Commissioner who stated this at the opening ceremony of the Technical meeting of officials at the 42nd regular meeting of the National Council on Agriculture and Rural Development held in Port Harcourt,  Monday explained the benefits of the meeting.
According to her, the event would unlock avenue between the Federal Minister of Agriculture and Rural Dev (FMAR) and the various states.
She said the occasion would launch agric revolution across the country.
Jacks explained that the 42nd meeting would consolidate messages to regions in the country to activate the agric sector.
In his opening remark, the Permanent Secretary, FMARD, Dr Bukar Hassan, disclosed that the forum was aimed at discussing the development of agricultural programmes of the present administration.
According to him, the event would finetune strategies for optional utilization in the agric sector.
“As a high policy making body, the council will harness resources and sustain import security and an increased private sector driven agribusiness”, he said.
The permanent secretary explained that the target of the council was to increase food production for the growing population.
Hassan, also assured of adequate supply of raw materials for the growing agric sector and also expand the market for agro-industrial products.
According  to him, the move will not only diversify the economy but would also create room for employment.
In his vote of thanks, the Director, Planning and Policy Coordination, FMARD, Mr Auwulu Maidabino, thanked the Rivers State Government for providing an enabling environment for the meeting.
Represented by the Deputy Director, Planning, Engr. Tunde Bello, he explained that the event would create an avenue for national and state growth in the agric sector.