A Non-Governmental Organisation, Rivers Angel of Peace (RAP), has described the new agric initiative of the Rivers State governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, as an economic strategy that would help the people of the state to grow sustainable business.
The National President of RAP, Ibudeinte Igoniko, said this in an interview with newsmen in Port Harcourt, last Friday.
She advised the youths of the state to take full advantage of the programme to grow their businesses in the agriculture sector.
RAP President noted that the state has abundant potentials in agriculture, adding that if the programme is properly managed, it will provide food to most families, reduce the cost of food items, create huge employment opportunities and turn youths away from anti-social practices.
“Each time I hear the state government’s jingle, ‘man must wake’, on air, I feel excited because agriculture is the direction to go.
“Youths should be wise and embrace it. It is profitable and can address so many challenges confronting our society today”, she said.
Igoniko advised the state government to decentralise the programme to involve grassroot people who she said are the real farmers.
According to her, “many similar programmes in the past failed because either it was seen as urban thing or hijacked by politicians who see it as opportunity to settle their party members”.
She expressed hope that if the agric programme is properly implemented, thousands of  unemployed persons would get involved in lucrative and sustainable businesses.
“I encourage our youths and even members of our organisation to go fully out and register their interest for the agric initiative.
“It will provide adequate food for their families, employment engagement, and make good income instead of involving themselves in demeaning activities”, she said.