Bayelsa Govt Seeks Partnership With Relevant Stakeholders In Agric Development
...Applauds AFAN for Recognition
Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Dr Peter Akpe has expressed the current administration’s commitment to collaborating with well-meaning investors particularly those who understand the Bayelsa environment in relation to agriculture and food production.
Dr. Akpe, stated this during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), led by its National President, Dr. Farouk Rabiu Mudi, in Government House, Yenagoa.
Acknowledging the importance of agriculture, he indicated the preparedness of the state government’s participation in the Afan-Brazilian Farmer’s Association partnership programme expected to commence next month.
Dr Akpe expressed gratitude to the AFAN for including the state in its new foreign partnership programme with Brazilian investors in the agricultural sector of the Nigerian economy.
He equally commended the umbrella farmers’ association in the country for recognising the state’s significant contributions towards agricultural development and food production in recent years.
He enjoined the visiting National President of AFAN to link Bayelsa with relevant organizations that have the technical know-how in agriculture and explore opportunities for collaboration to maximally harness the abundant natural resources in the sector towards job creation and food security.
The Deputy Governor, who conveyed the appreciation of the state government to the AFAN national leadership for their choice of Bayelsa to celebrate the World Food Day, also urged AFAN to support Bayelsa in the area of identifying available markets for the distribution of agricultural produce from the state.
Dr Akpe advised AFAN to avoid what he called, ‘portfolio’ farmers in its scheme of things, but rather devise a means that would encourage peasant farmers in rural communities to grow in their farming business and contribute meaningfully to food security in the country
His words: “We thank you for choosing Bayelsa to celebrate this year’s World Food Day. This year’s theme, ‘Innovate Today, Nourish tomorrow’, is a charge to all of us. If we work together, our children will not lack food.
“We will like to let you know that the AFAN occupies an important and special place in this government, and that is why we are working collaboratively with the members of AFAN. We attach a lot of importance to agriculture in our state.
“Bayelsa faces a lot of challenges like flooding and environmental pollution, so we want you to carry our challenges to the national table for deliberation. Also help us in the area of markets for our local agricultural produce.
“We also want you to encourage and strengthen grassroots participation in your programmes; deal directly with our peasant farmers so that they can grow from peasant farming level to commercial scale.”
Earlier in his remarks, the National President of AFAN, Dr. Farouk Rabiu Mudi, said the Association decided to celebrate the World Food Day in Yenagoa in view of the significant achievements of the Governor Douye Diri-led administration in the agricultural sector.
Dr Mudi specifically acknowledged the support and encouragement the state government has been giving to local farmers and entrepreneurs engaged in agro-businesses in the state
The AFAN boss disclosed that Bayelsa had been chosen as one of the six states in the country for an agricultural technology and innovation programme, with collaborative support and expertise from Brazilian Farmer’s Association.
According to Dr. Farouk, AFAN has no fewer than 15 million registered members and over 60 agribusiness groups in its fold, assuring that the umbrella agric association has the capacity to achieve sustainable food security for the country with proper support from government.
The National President of AFAN was accompanied on the visit by the Deputy National President, Mr. Confidence Mac-Eteli, and several state chairmen of the Association, including that of Bayelsa, Chief Aweikumo Ndiomu.
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