The Executive Chairman of Degema Local Government Area, Hon. Dr. Agiriye Monima Harry, has expressed his administration’s commitment to partnering with organizations that promote sustainable and transparent agricultural initiatives in the region.
Mrs. Gloria Ugo, Director of Agriculture for Degema LGA, representing the Chairman on November 27th, emphasized the Council’s willingness to support practical programs: “The Executive Chairman is dedicated to supporting transparent initiatives. He is a man of his word and will follow through on his commitments. If you work with him, transparency is key.”
Earlier, Glory Kukanc, President of Women in Farming and Agro-Allied Network (WIFAASAN), while addressing a crowd of participants at a sensitisation program that held at the Council Secretariat in Degema, outlined the organization’s goal of empowering women through skill development. She explained that women involved in agriculture would receive training in hairdressing, catering, and other skills to provide alternative income streams. This strategy aims to mitigate economic challenges during agricultural off-seasons.
Maurice Ogolo, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, elaborated on the state government’s strong focus on agriculture: “Governor Siminalayi Fubara has made agriculture a top priority. The state budget reflects this commitment.
“Despite being an oil-rich state, Rivers State is actively promoting agriculture. We are blessed with abundant natural resources, both land and water. Our farmers and fisherfolk contribute significantly to the economy.
“I believe in empowering women and supporting their initiatives. The Governor has launched numerous programs to encourage women’s participation in agriculture. With their involvement, we can achieve remarkable success in this sector.
“To facilitate agricultural activities, we are developing the necessary framework. For instance, we have a 45,000 metric ton capacity cassava processing plant in Afam and 10,000 hectares of land available for rice cultivation in Rumuewo.
“The Fubara administration is dedicated to ensuring food security, generating revenue, and creating jobs through agriculture.”
The WIFAASAN team included Deaconess Rose Lucky (National Secretary), Mrs. Melody Robinson (DELGA Coordinator), and Elizabeth Ikaidim (PHALGA Coordinator).