PORT HARCOURT – As part of ongoing efforts to eradicate poverty and ensure food security among rural dwellers, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority (NDBDA), Prince Ebitimi Amgbare, has announced plans to engage directly with farmers across the agency’s catchment areas.
Prince Amgbare disclosed this during a courtesy visit by the Coalition of Elders, Chiefs, and Local Producers of Cassava and Fish Farming from Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers States to the NDBDA headquarters in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
According to the MD/CEO, the initiative, tagged “Meet the Farmers”, will commence in two weeks and will see the full complement of Executive Directors, Directors, and key staff of the Authority visit local farming communities.
“This exercise will help us gather first-hand information on the challenges our farmers face and provide immediate support such as improved seedlings, farming implements, and disease-resistant crops,” Amgbare said.
He emphasized that the engagement is targeted at genuine farmers—not “portfolio farmers”—with the goal of enhancing productivity and promoting sustainable livelihoods.
“Our major concern is to partner with real farmers to ensure food is available for our people. We are not just here to make promises—we are here to deliver. We will also support cassava and other crops through processing, not just production, so that farmers can add value to their produce,” he stated.
Amgbare, who was flanked by Executive Director of Finance, Mrs. Mary Alagoa, and Executive Director of Agricultural Services, Mr. Felix Kurogha, assured that the initiative will cover communities in Rivers, Bayelsa, and Delta States.
“In the next two weeks, we will be meeting farmers across these states to provide inputs and tools needed for massive food production. Our support will not stop at planting. We will assist with processing to enhance market value and productivity,” he said.
Earlier, the National Coordinator of the Forum, His Royal Highness Abraham Gebide, commended the NDBDA management for the proactive initiative and pledged the farmers’ full cooperation.
“We are deeply encouraged by this initiative. We will begin preparing our farmers for your visit. We truly need the seedlings and support to scale up food production,” HRH Gebide stated.
The highlight of the visit was the symbolic presentation of branded T-shirts and caps of the farmers’ association to Prince Amgbare in recognition of his commitment to grassroots agricultural development.