“I am committed to enhancing the economic well-being of our people in the communities,” says Prince Amgbare.
NDBDA MD/CEO Pledges Commitment to Rural Economic Growth Through Agriculture
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) of the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority (NDBDA), Prince Ebitimi Amgbare, has reiterated his commitment to improving the economic well-being of people in rural areas within the Basin Authority’s jurisdiction. He emphasized his plan to drive wealth creation in these communities through large-scale agricultural initiatives.
Speaking at his office in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, when he received a delegation of Chiefs and Elders from Odogu-Ama community in Opuama clan, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, led by HRH Abraham Gebide, Amananawei of Odogu-Ama, Prince Amgbare stressed that with the right support for farmers, poverty would become a thing of the past.
He reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to making a meaningful impact on the lives of farmers, noting that all assets within the Basin’s catchment states must be fully utilized to drive agricultural productivity.
> “I am deeply concerned about improving the economic well-being of our people in rural communities, and I believe agriculture holds the key,” he stated.
Prince Amgbare highlighted ongoing efforts to revamp the Peremabiri rice farm, expressing satisfaction with the progress made by the Rice Farmers Association, which has already started reaping benefits.
> “We have reactivated the Peremabiri rice farm and supported the Rice Farmers Association, and they are already making gains from it,” he said.
“We will continue to provide them with additional support to showcase the potential of our local farmers. If we empower them, they have no reason to remain poor. Agriculture can be a major source of income for them.”
He emphasized the NDBDA’s responsibility in equipping farmers with modern agricultural technology, including improved seedlings that can withstand environmental challenges.
> “It is our duty to provide the right support, including high-yield seedlings that can withstand various climatic conditions. Our people must benefit from these advancements,” he noted.
Prince Amgbare further disclosed that the Authority had introduced a new breed of flood-resistant rice and cassava seedlings, ensuring stable production despite seasonal flooding.
> “We now have a special rice seedling that survives floods. No matter the water level, the crop remains intact. The same applies to cassava. These innovations will significantly improve farming outcomes in our communities,” he explained.
He stressed the need for wealth creation at the grassroots level, enabling people to prosper within their local communities rather than migrating to urban centers in search of opportunities.
> “It is important to build the local economy so that people can thrive in their ancestral homes. You don’t have to move to Yenagoa or any other city to earn a living. We are committed to ensuring that wealth is taken directly to the people in their communities,” he added.
Reaffirming his administration’s dedication to fulfilling the Authority’s original mandate, Prince Amgbare cited Peremabiri’s agricultural revival as a model to be replicated in other communities.
> “We are aggressively driving this initiative, and with the success of Peremabiri, we will expand to other areas. By the grace of God, more communities will soon experience the benefits,” he assured.
Traditional Ruler Commends NDBDA’s Impact
Earlier in his remarks, HRH Abraham Gebide commended Prince Amgbare for the remarkable strides made within a short period in office, particularly in transforming rural communities within the Basin Authority’s jurisdiction.
He acknowledged the positive impact of NDBDA’s agricultural programs on rice farmers in Peremabiri, noting that its benefits were being felt across other communities.
> “The efforts of the Authority in supporting rice farmers in Peremabiri are commendable. Other communities are also feeling the impact, and as a clan, Opuama is ready to collaborate with the Basin Authority in all areas of agriculture,” HRH Gebide stated.
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