Niger Delta
Compensation Over Oil Discovery Triggers Crisis In Delta
Crisis looms at Oviri-Olomu community, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, over the compensation by Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), for a fresh oil discovery.
Five families, including Edariese Efedjamah, Irevwiruemu, George Akanuota, Onakota and Ashe, claiming ownership of Evue/Igbighogho bushes in the community where oil was discovered, alleged that faceless persons, who claim to be leaders of the community, connived with the company to shortchange them.
At a press conference in Udu, they stated that only the five families should be paid compensation and allowed to enjoy the benefits accruable from the land.
A member of the Edariese Family, Elder A.P. Edariese said: “The five families have been grossly denied their rights to fair compensation for their properties destroyed on the land and denied all payments for loss of use of the land as well as their rights to be paid anything under the freedom to operate, both at the time of preparation for drilling and now that the company has moved into the land for drilling purposes.
“We are equally denied of our rights to job slots.
“The land is not owned by the Oviri-Olomu Community, Individuals and families own the lands. NPDC should respect the five families for decency, reasonable fairness and justice, and allow peace to reign supreme if they want to do business in the land.
“They imported strange names who have no mandate to lead or represent the community for negotiations against the cries of the five families. They refused to hearken to these long calls and cries.
“NPDC is hereby placed on caution, solemnly advised and warned never to do anything with impostors who do not have the mandate of the community to represent the five families in the acquisition of their land by NPDC for the new oil location that’s being developed.”
Edariese noted he and three others were allegedly held hostage at Wellington Hotel in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area by a consultant and forced to collect N1,500,000 on behalf of his family
He said: “He threatened that if I love myself, I should collect the money. That if the lords in Oviri-Olomu community know he is dealing with me, he will be in trouble. I should accept the money.
“I accepted the money under duress. I had to sign the cheque. He said my family was fortunate because we got the larger sum and others got peanuts.”
Representative of George Akanuota family, Mr. Shedrack Akanuota, who corroborated the claims of Edariese, said: “Only five families own the land wherein NPDC is currently carrying out drilling works at the moment and not nine as it was mentioned and forwarded to them by some faceless persons.”
“They have sidelined us, yet operation is going on in this land. I do not know on whose permission NPDC has gone to carry out their operation.
“So, if they have negotiated with any group of persons before, they should know that they have negotiated with the wrong persons. NPDC need to correct it now.
“NPDC should be cautious of themselves if they are going into communities for transactions to avoid any loss of lives and properties.
“I want NPDC to take note that they have transacted wrong businesses with wrong persons. They need to correct it.”
A representative of the Irhoremu family, Mr. David Irhoremu, who insisted that only five families owned the land wherein NPDC operates, said: “They are dealing with masquerades, who parade themselves to be representative of the community.
“NPDC is working contrary to the constitution of Oviri-Olomu community. They are operating outside the constitution.
“We want to advise NPDC to retrace their steps so that there will be no bloodshed and there will be no court matters.
“We are not against NPDC operating in our land. It is a welcome development that oil is being discovered in our land. But they should follow due process.
“They should come back to the landlords, there should be an MoU so that there will be peace in the land in the community.”
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Former President, Goodluck Jonathan, and the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri have underscored the need for true fiscal federalism as the key to resolving the national question of sustainable unity and development in the country.
The two leaders made the assertion during the public presentation of Elder Braeyi Ekiye’s book titled, “Redefining Nigeria: Essays on State, Nation, Leadership and Democracy”, at the Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall in Government House, Yenagoa on Thursday.
The Tide gathered that the author, Elder Ekiye was Speech Writer to Second Republic Governor of Old Rivers State, the late Senator Melford Obienne Okilo between 1979-1983.
In his remarks, Jonathan described the book as a bold and timely contribution to the national discourse, emphasizing that the work was a testimony of a life dedicated to service and the development of the nation.
Jonathan, who was represented by the former Governor of Adamawa State, Hon. Boni Haruna, said Elder Braeyi Ekiye had served Bayelsa and the country in various capacities with integrity, humility, wisdom, diligence and distinction, noting that the book was a product of experience, and pivotal to national discourse.
“Since independence, the nation has been in search of a true definition of who we are and what we want to be and how we want to live together as a people”, Jonathan said.
He noted that the footprints of the book, which revolves around state, nation, leadership and democracy, were the exact issues Nigeria has been grappling with today as a nation, maintaining that no nation could grow beyond the quality of the conversations it has about itself.
“This book represents a bold and timely contribution to our national discourse. At his age, if Elder Braeyi Ekiye could still find the energy and clarity to write and publish a book such as this, it is a testimony of a life dedicated to service and national development.
“He has served this state and this nation in various capacities with integrity, humility, wisdom and distinction. This book, therefore, is a product of experience and not just theory.
“The title, Redefining Nigeria, is profound and timely. We are gathered here to discuss how to redefine the Nigerian state. Of course, since independence, Nigeria has been in search of a definition – who we are, what we want to be and how we want to live together as a people.
“The state we have is not yet the nation we desire, and the nation we desire cannot emerge without a purposeful leadership, and a purposeful leadership cannot thrive without deepening our democracy”, the ex-President added.
Diri, who spoke at the event through his Deputy, Dr. Peter Akpe, stressed that Brayi Ekiye’s book asked questions every serious-minded citizen should ask, noting that the questions of state, nation, leadership and democracy were fundamental to building a just, equitable and progressive nation every patriotic Nigerian deeply yearns for. According to the Bayelsa helmsman, the issues raised by the book resonated in the findings of the Bayelsa State Oil and Environmental Commission, which stands as a reference point for justice for the Niger Delta that continues to carry much of the nation’s economic burden.
He described the evolution of the book as quite timely, and maintained that engagements which strengthens democracy, good governance and nation-building were always encouraged by his administration.
“Redefining Nigeria asks questions that every serious-minded citizen must confront. What binds us together as a nation? How should power and resources be shared among the various units of our federation? What does a citizen owe the state and what do leaders owe the people who entrust them with power?
“These are the questions of state, nation, leadership and democracy that the subtitle promises, and the author approaches them not as an outsider but as one who has watched our national journey closely and cared about where it leads.
“For us in the Niger Delta, these are not idle questions. Our region has carried much of the nation’s economic weight while bearing its heaviest environmental cost. Our creeks, farmlands and fishing waters tell that story more eloquently than any statistic.
“We have insisted that the restoration of our environment and the dignity of our communities must be at the centre of any honest conversation about the future of Nigeria, and why the findings of the Bayelsa State Oil and Environmental Commission remain a reference point for justice in our region. Our people have earned a voice in shaping the federation, and books such as this one help to make that voice heard”, he said.
In his presentation, the book Reviewer, Prof. Godini Darah, described Elder Ekiye’s 413-page work as encyclopedic and thought-provoking and emphasized the need for people to document their experiences and knowledge to guide others.
According to him, the 413-page book, which has three sections, highlight issues arising from petroleum resources in the Niger Delta, examines Nigeria’s democracy and managing the polity in the interest of the people.
Making reference to a comparison drawn by the author between political elites of the South East Asian countries and those of Nigeria, Prof. Darah opined that the nation has failed to make appreciable progress due to lack of real patriots and nationalistic leaders.
“The Asian elites are developing their countries to meet up the standard of America, Canada, Britain, Belgium, Germany, Italy and so on. So, their politics is concerned about how their own multinational companies can match Julius Berger, Coca-Cola.
“In contrast, the Nigerian political elites are not struggling to put our products in the world market. They are rather struggling to be agents of Shell, ExxonMobil, Chevron, and they are ready to sell this country for nothing”, he alleged.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of Pan Niger Delta Forum, Amb. Godknows Igali, praised the author for translating his reflections about the country into a book which will outlive him and benefit posterity.
While underscoring the deprivations the Niger Delta region has suffered despite its huge contributions to the national coffers over the years, Amb. Igali expressed hope that Nigeria could be built as a united and prosperous country on the basis of equity, fairness and justice.
The Chairman of the Bayelsa Elders Forum, who doubled as Chairman of the occasion, also congratulated Elder Ekiye on his efforts and stressed the importance of books towards the development of individuals and nation-building.
In his remarks, the author of the book described his work as part of ongoing efforts to chart a progressive course of the evolution of a new Nigeria that could proudly stand as a united, secured and prosperous nation in the world.
The Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Dr. Fred Agbedi, represented by Chief Kelvin Tawari, the Pere of Kabowei Kingdom, His Majesty Peremobowei Erebulu, the Special Adviser to the State Governor on Political Matters, High Chief Collins Cocodia, were among notable figures that launched the book.
The two leaders made the assertion during the public presentation of Elder Braeyi Ekiye’s book titled, “Redefining Nigeria: Essays on State, Nation, Leadership and Democracy”, at the Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall in Government House, Yenagoa on Thursday.
The Tide gathered that the author, Elder Ekiye was Speech Writer to Second Republic Governor of Old Rivers State, the late Senator Melford Obienne Okilo between 1979-1983.
In his remarks, Jonathan described the book as a bold and timely contribution to the national discourse, emphasizing that the work was a testimony of a life dedicated to service and the development of the nation.
Jonathan, who was represented by the former Governor of Adamawa State, Hon. Boni Haruna, said Elder Braeyi Ekiye had served Bayelsa and the country in various capacities with integrity, humility, wisdom, diligence and distinction, noting that the book was a product of experience, and pivotal to national discourse.
“Since independence, the nation has been in search of a true definition of who we are and what we want to be and how we want to live together as a people”, Jonathan said.
He noted that the footprints of the book, which revolves around state, nation, leadership and democracy, were the exact issues Nigeria has been grappling with today as a nation, maintaining that no nation could grow beyond the quality of the conversations it has about itself.
“This book represents a bold and timely contribution to our national discourse. At his age, if Elder Braeyi Ekiye could still find the energy and clarity to write and publish a book such as this, it is a testimony of a life dedicated to service and national development.
“He has served this state and this nation in various capacities with integrity, humility, wisdom and distinction. This book, therefore, is a product of experience and not just theory.
“The title, Redefining Nigeria, is profound and timely. We are gathered here to discuss how to redefine the Nigerian state. Of course, since independence, Nigeria has been in search of a definition – who we are, what we want to be and how we want to live together as a people.
“The state we have is not yet the nation we desire, and the nation we desire cannot emerge without a purposeful leadership, and a purposeful leadership cannot thrive without deepening our democracy”, the ex-President added.
Diri, who spoke at the event through his Deputy, Dr. Peter Akpe, stressed that Brayi Ekiye’s book asked questions every serious-minded citizen should ask, noting that the questions of state, nation, leadership and democracy were fundamental to building a just, equitable and progressive nation every patriotic Nigerian deeply yearns for. According to the Bayelsa helmsman, the issues raised by the book resonated in the findings of the Bayelsa State Oil and Environmental Commission, which stands as a reference point for justice for the Niger Delta that continues to carry much of the nation’s economic burden.
He described the evolution of the book as quite timely, and maintained that engagements which strengthens democracy, good governance and nation-building were always encouraged by his administration.
“Redefining Nigeria asks questions that every serious-minded citizen must confront. What binds us together as a nation? How should power and resources be shared among the various units of our federation? What does a citizen owe the state and what do leaders owe the people who entrust them with power?
“These are the questions of state, nation, leadership and democracy that the subtitle promises, and the author approaches them not as an outsider but as one who has watched our national journey closely and cared about where it leads.
“For us in the Niger Delta, these are not idle questions. Our region has carried much of the nation’s economic weight while bearing its heaviest environmental cost. Our creeks, farmlands and fishing waters tell that story more eloquently than any statistic.
“We have insisted that the restoration of our environment and the dignity of our communities must be at the centre of any honest conversation about the future of Nigeria, and why the findings of the Bayelsa State Oil and Environmental Commission remain a reference point for justice in our region. Our people have earned a voice in shaping the federation, and books such as this one help to make that voice heard”, he said.
In his presentation, the book Reviewer, Prof. Godini Darah, described Elder Ekiye’s 413-page work as encyclopedic and thought-provoking and emphasized the need for people to document their experiences and knowledge to guide others.
According to him, the 413-page book, which has three sections, highlight issues arising from petroleum resources in the Niger Delta, examines Nigeria’s democracy and managing the polity in the interest of the people.
Making reference to a comparison drawn by the author between political elites of the South East Asian countries and those of Nigeria, Prof. Darah opined that the nation has failed to make appreciable progress due to lack of real patriots and nationalistic leaders.
“The Asian elites are developing their countries to meet up the standard of America, Canada, Britain, Belgium, Germany, Italy and so on. So, their politics is concerned about how their own multinational companies can match Julius Berger, Coca-Cola.
“In contrast, the Nigerian political elites are not struggling to put our products in the world market. They are rather struggling to be agents of Shell, ExxonMobil, Chevron, and they are ready to sell this country for nothing”, he alleged.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of Pan Niger Delta Forum, Amb. Godknows Igali, praised the author for translating his reflections about the country into a book which will outlive him and benefit posterity.
While underscoring the deprivations the Niger Delta region has suffered despite its huge contributions to the national coffers over the years, Amb. Igali expressed hope that Nigeria could be built as a united and prosperous country on the basis of equity, fairness and justice.
The Chairman of the Bayelsa Elders Forum, who doubled as Chairman of the occasion, also congratulated Elder Ekiye on his efforts and stressed the importance of books towards the development of individuals and nation-building.
In his remarks, the author of the book described his work as part of ongoing efforts to chart a progressive course of the evolution of a new Nigeria that could proudly stand as a united, secured and prosperous nation in the world.
The Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Dr. Fred Agbedi, represented by Chief Kelvin Tawari, the Pere of Kabowei Kingdom, His Majesty Peremobowei Erebulu, the Special Adviser to the State Governor on Political Matters, High Chief Collins Cocodia, were among notable figures that launched the book.
By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
The Wife of the Delta State Governor, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, has reiterated her commitment to supporting vulnerable women and families through the third edition of the Delta State Food Bank Initiative, organised by the Office of the First Lady.
Deaconess Oborevwori made the commitment while speaking at the 3rd edition of the Delta State Food Bank Initiative, held at the event centre, Asaba, on Wednesday.
The initiative, aimed at alleviating food insecurity and improving the welfare of vulnerable households, impacted 2,500 women across the 25 Local Government Areas (LGA) of the state, with 100 beneficiaries drawn from each of the LGAs.
In her address, the First Lady emphasised the importance of supporting women, noting that they often bear the responsibility of ensuring that food was available for their families.
She explained that the food bank initiative was introduced out of her passion for improving the welfare of women and families, particularly those facing economic hardship.
According to her, supporting women has a wider impact on society because of their central role in family welfare and development.
She said the initiative was designed to put smiles on the faces of women across Delta State while providing practical support to those struggling to meet their families’ basic needs.
The First Lady also stressed that development goes beyond the construction of roads and other physical infrastructure to include human capital development and programmes that directly improve people’s lives.
She called on individuals to extend a hand of compassion to the less privileged by offering support within their means, while urging beneficiaries to utilise the assistance judiciously to meet their families’ essential needs.
Beyond the food bank initiative, the First Lady highlighted her commitment to supporting vulnerable residents through the You Matter Charity Foundation, which also conducted free medical outreaches across the federal constituencies in Delta State.
She said efforts must be made to create opportunities for all residents to benefit from government programmes and social intervention initiatives.
In her welcome address, the wife of the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Ezinne Kathrine Onyeme, spoke on the importance of compassion and care for women and families.
She acknowledged the entire families. enormous responsibilities women carry in providing food and meeting the needs of their households, stressing that supporting women ultimately means supporting entire families.
She commended the initiative for reaching out to women in need and providing assistance that could ease some of the challenges they face in caring for their loved ones.
Delivering a message on the theme, “Whatever You Do for Others, You Do for Christ”, Pastor Solomon Nathaniel highlighted the importance of compassion, generosity and service to humanity.
He encouraged participants to extend kindness to others, particularly vulnerable members of society, noting that acts of service and assistance to those in need reflect the values of Christian faith.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Princess Pat Ajudua, commended the First Lady for sustaining the food bank initiative and remembering women across the state through programmes designed to improve their welfare.
She acknowledged the importance of interventions that address the needs of vulnerable women and their families, describing the initiative as a demonstration of concern for their well-being.
A major highlight of the event was the symbolic handover of food items to the chairpersons representing the 25 local government areas of Delta State which were distributed to the beneficiaries at the venue.
Through the third Delta State Food Bank Initiative and the activities of the You Matter Charity Foundation, the Office of the First Lady has continued to emphasise the importance of addressing the needs of vulnerable residents through practical social intervention programmes.
The initiative highlights the role of community support and targeted assistance in strengthening families and improving the well-being of women across Delta State.
Deaconess Oborevwori made the commitment while speaking at the 3rd edition of the Delta State Food Bank Initiative, held at the event centre, Asaba, on Wednesday.
The initiative, aimed at alleviating food insecurity and improving the welfare of vulnerable households, impacted 2,500 women across the 25 Local Government Areas (LGA) of the state, with 100 beneficiaries drawn from each of the LGAs.
In her address, the First Lady emphasised the importance of supporting women, noting that they often bear the responsibility of ensuring that food was available for their families.
She explained that the food bank initiative was introduced out of her passion for improving the welfare of women and families, particularly those facing economic hardship.
According to her, supporting women has a wider impact on society because of their central role in family welfare and development.
She said the initiative was designed to put smiles on the faces of women across Delta State while providing practical support to those struggling to meet their families’ basic needs.
The First Lady also stressed that development goes beyond the construction of roads and other physical infrastructure to include human capital development and programmes that directly improve people’s lives.
She called on individuals to extend a hand of compassion to the less privileged by offering support within their means, while urging beneficiaries to utilise the assistance judiciously to meet their families’ essential needs.
Beyond the food bank initiative, the First Lady highlighted her commitment to supporting vulnerable residents through the You Matter Charity Foundation, which also conducted free medical outreaches across the federal constituencies in Delta State.
She said efforts must be made to create opportunities for all residents to benefit from government programmes and social intervention initiatives.
In her welcome address, the wife of the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Ezinne Kathrine Onyeme, spoke on the importance of compassion and care for women and families.
She acknowledged the entire families. enormous responsibilities women carry in providing food and meeting the needs of their households, stressing that supporting women ultimately means supporting entire families.
She commended the initiative for reaching out to women in need and providing assistance that could ease some of the challenges they face in caring for their loved ones.
Delivering a message on the theme, “Whatever You Do for Others, You Do for Christ”, Pastor Solomon Nathaniel highlighted the importance of compassion, generosity and service to humanity.
He encouraged participants to extend kindness to others, particularly vulnerable members of society, noting that acts of service and assistance to those in need reflect the values of Christian faith.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Princess Pat Ajudua, commended the First Lady for sustaining the food bank initiative and remembering women across the state through programmes designed to improve their welfare.
She acknowledged the importance of interventions that address the needs of vulnerable women and their families, describing the initiative as a demonstration of concern for their well-being.
A major highlight of the event was the symbolic handover of food items to the chairpersons representing the 25 local government areas of Delta State which were distributed to the beneficiaries at the venue.
Through the third Delta State Food Bank Initiative and the activities of the You Matter Charity Foundation, the Office of the First Lady has continued to emphasise the importance of addressing the needs of vulnerable residents through practical social intervention programmes.
The initiative highlights the role of community support and targeted assistance in strengthening families and improving the well-being of women across Delta State.
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has urged youths of the state to explore opportunities in the agricultural sector as a source of empowerment, saying farming is a blessing and not a punishment.
He stated this at this year’s World Food Day (WDF) celebration with the theme: “Innovate Today, Nourish Tomorrow,” at the Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, Yenagoa.
Represented by his Deputy, Dr. Peter Akpe, the Bayelsa Governor said the global theme could not be more fitting and called on the youths to embrace agriculture as a career, instead of staying idle and waiting for white collar jobs.
He also encouraged civil servants and families to take up backyard farming and urged financial institutions to make credit accessible to smallholder farmers in the state.
While appreciating the grant beneficiaries and agripreneurs who shared their success stories, Diri described them as living proof that agriculture in Bayelsa was not only a way of life, but also a business that could create jobs and wealth.
According to him, the State was blessed with water and fertile land and that his administration has secured some strategic partnerships to ensure food security.
He noted that the State flagged-off its maiden dry season farming programme at its Otuasega Farm in Ogbia Local Government Area, and in partnership with the Central Bank of Nigeria installed rice mills at the Niger Delta University and the Federal University, Otuoke.
The Governor explained that the intention was to enable made-in-Bayelsa rice move from the fields to the markets and that thousands of farmers from across the eight rm inputs.local government areas of the State have received seedlings and farm inputs.
The Bayelsa helmsman further stated that through partnership with the CSS Integrated Farms, young people have been trained in modern farming methods.
He, therefore, encouraged the youths to embrace innovation considering the state’s peculiar terrain, plant flood-tolerant seed varieties, as well as apply modern aquaculture to complement the wild fisheries that pollution has depleted.
Diri also tasked them to engage in soilless farming, partnerships, ensuring processing, storage, and cold chains to prevent food wastage.
He commended the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the LIFE-ND programme for building agribusinesses among young people, as well as the Peremabiri Farmers Cluster for demonstrating what well organised and innovative farmers could achieve.
On the need to protect farmers, the Governor cautioned herders against attacks on farmers in the state, saying that the state’s law which criminalises open grazing was still in force.
Commending the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources for organising the celebration, the Governor charged it to work towards meeting the targets set by the government to enable the people of the state buy Bayelsa rice during this year’s yuletide season.
“Let me be frank, government cannot do it alone, and it should not try to do so. Our role as a government is to create an enabling environment and provide access roads.
“Our focus on roads cannot be derailed. We must construct bridges to farms and support farming settlements. We must also continue to improve security for farmers and their crops.
“The actual farming must be done by our people. I, therefore, call on our youths to see agriculture as a career, not a punishment.
“We are already witnessing some changes. In fact, many people from outside the state are taking advantage of the beauty and productivity of our soil, and are engaging in fishing and farming.
“We are calling on our youths in Bayelsa to return to agriculture and increase their participation, so that they can also account for a significant proportion of those registered under the relevant agricultural programmes.
“The grant beneficiaries and agripreneurs sharing their stories with us today are living proof that agriculture in Bayelsa is not only a way of life but also a business that can create wealth and jobs”, he said.
In his address, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Prof. Beke Sese, said since 2020, more than 17,300 farmers have received direct support through various programmes, including the Accelerated Agricultural Development Scheme, Diri BOOST, and the Prosperity Farmers Grant Scheme.
He noted that this year alone, 2,106 farmers, fishers and processors across all eight local government areas have received grants and that beneficiaries were expanding their cultivation efforts and laying a strong foundation for statewide agricultural prosperity.
According to Prof. Sese, the state’s 410-tonne-a-day rice milling plant was now fully operational and performing at optimal capacity, turning paddy into polished, made-in-Bayelsa rice.
“We are cultivating 106 hectares of rice and buying paddy from the communities we supply, so that while you plant, you know a buyer is waiting.
“The Bayelsa rice plant is currently undergoing laboratory analysis for food and nutritional certification and will soon be launched into the market.
“The Governor has charged us to produce 300,000 kilogrammes of made-in-Bayelsa rice by the end of 2026, so that Bayelsa can feed Bayelsa, and we are, of course, working towards that goal. Bayelsa is indeed strengthening its drive towards food sufficiency and economic prosperity”, the Commissioner said.
In his remarks, National President, All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Dr. Farouk Rabiu Mudi, said the association was pleased with the State Governor’s strides in the agricultural sector .
Accordingly, Dr. Mudi, on behalf of AFAN, presented an Award of Excellence to the State Governor as the Best Governor in Agricultural Connectivity and Farmers’ Support in the country.
He explained that the award, launched in August, was being presented by AFAN to 12 state governors, two from each geopolitical region after conducting its research and assessment of the state governments agricultural programmes.
Dr. Mudi also presented a crown-shaped trophy to Diri, stating that it was being presented to only six governors in the country, and urged all communities and farmers’ associations that have not registered to do so and become members of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN).
He stated this at this year’s World Food Day (WDF) celebration with the theme: “Innovate Today, Nourish Tomorrow,” at the Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, Yenagoa.
Represented by his Deputy, Dr. Peter Akpe, the Bayelsa Governor said the global theme could not be more fitting and called on the youths to embrace agriculture as a career, instead of staying idle and waiting for white collar jobs.
He also encouraged civil servants and families to take up backyard farming and urged financial institutions to make credit accessible to smallholder farmers in the state.
While appreciating the grant beneficiaries and agripreneurs who shared their success stories, Diri described them as living proof that agriculture in Bayelsa was not only a way of life, but also a business that could create jobs and wealth.
According to him, the State was blessed with water and fertile land and that his administration has secured some strategic partnerships to ensure food security.
He noted that the State flagged-off its maiden dry season farming programme at its Otuasega Farm in Ogbia Local Government Area, and in partnership with the Central Bank of Nigeria installed rice mills at the Niger Delta University and the Federal University, Otuoke.
The Governor explained that the intention was to enable made-in-Bayelsa rice move from the fields to the markets and that thousands of farmers from across the eight rm inputs.local government areas of the State have received seedlings and farm inputs.
The Bayelsa helmsman further stated that through partnership with the CSS Integrated Farms, young people have been trained in modern farming methods.
He, therefore, encouraged the youths to embrace innovation considering the state’s peculiar terrain, plant flood-tolerant seed varieties, as well as apply modern aquaculture to complement the wild fisheries that pollution has depleted.
Diri also tasked them to engage in soilless farming, partnerships, ensuring processing, storage, and cold chains to prevent food wastage.
He commended the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the LIFE-ND programme for building agribusinesses among young people, as well as the Peremabiri Farmers Cluster for demonstrating what well organised and innovative farmers could achieve.
On the need to protect farmers, the Governor cautioned herders against attacks on farmers in the state, saying that the state’s law which criminalises open grazing was still in force.
Commending the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources for organising the celebration, the Governor charged it to work towards meeting the targets set by the government to enable the people of the state buy Bayelsa rice during this year’s yuletide season.
“Let me be frank, government cannot do it alone, and it should not try to do so. Our role as a government is to create an enabling environment and provide access roads.
“Our focus on roads cannot be derailed. We must construct bridges to farms and support farming settlements. We must also continue to improve security for farmers and their crops.
“The actual farming must be done by our people. I, therefore, call on our youths to see agriculture as a career, not a punishment.
“We are already witnessing some changes. In fact, many people from outside the state are taking advantage of the beauty and productivity of our soil, and are engaging in fishing and farming.
“We are calling on our youths in Bayelsa to return to agriculture and increase their participation, so that they can also account for a significant proportion of those registered under the relevant agricultural programmes.
“The grant beneficiaries and agripreneurs sharing their stories with us today are living proof that agriculture in Bayelsa is not only a way of life but also a business that can create wealth and jobs”, he said.
In his address, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Prof. Beke Sese, said since 2020, more than 17,300 farmers have received direct support through various programmes, including the Accelerated Agricultural Development Scheme, Diri BOOST, and the Prosperity Farmers Grant Scheme.
He noted that this year alone, 2,106 farmers, fishers and processors across all eight local government areas have received grants and that beneficiaries were expanding their cultivation efforts and laying a strong foundation for statewide agricultural prosperity.
According to Prof. Sese, the state’s 410-tonne-a-day rice milling plant was now fully operational and performing at optimal capacity, turning paddy into polished, made-in-Bayelsa rice.
“We are cultivating 106 hectares of rice and buying paddy from the communities we supply, so that while you plant, you know a buyer is waiting.
“The Bayelsa rice plant is currently undergoing laboratory analysis for food and nutritional certification and will soon be launched into the market.
“The Governor has charged us to produce 300,000 kilogrammes of made-in-Bayelsa rice by the end of 2026, so that Bayelsa can feed Bayelsa, and we are, of course, working towards that goal. Bayelsa is indeed strengthening its drive towards food sufficiency and economic prosperity”, the Commissioner said.
In his remarks, National President, All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Dr. Farouk Rabiu Mudi, said the association was pleased with the State Governor’s strides in the agricultural sector .
Accordingly, Dr. Mudi, on behalf of AFAN, presented an Award of Excellence to the State Governor as the Best Governor in Agricultural Connectivity and Farmers’ Support in the country.
He explained that the award, launched in August, was being presented by AFAN to 12 state governors, two from each geopolitical region after conducting its research and assessment of the state governments agricultural programmes.
Dr. Mudi also presented a crown-shaped trophy to Diri, stating that it was being presented to only six governors in the country, and urged all communities and farmers’ associations that have not registered to do so and become members of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN).
By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa