Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral lbok Ete Ekwe-lbas, at the weekend announced plans to revive the moribund Songhai Integrated Farms, aiming to boost food production and create sustainable employment opportunities for Rivers youths
The Rivers State-owned Songhai farms sited on 550 hectares of land in Bunu-Tai, Tai LGA, has the capacity to create over 5,000 direct and indirect jobs across the agricultural value chain, from cultivation and harvesting to processing, production, distribution, sales, and agro-allied services.
Ibas made the disclosure during an inspection tour of the farm, where he said the revival of Songhai Farms was a top priority in his administration’s agricultural transformation agenda, with job creation and food security as core goals.
He was accompanied on the visit by Dr. Tammy Jaja, Coordinator of the Songhai Farm, and Morrison Ogolo, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, alongside other stakeholders.
The visit also included stops at other key agricultural facilities, such as the TechFarms SIaughter House in Mgbuosimini and the Rivers State Veterinary Hospital and Diagnostics Laboratory in Rumuodomaya, both in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
After receiving briefings from ministry officials, Retired Vice Admiral lbas emphasized the importance of assessing the projects firsthand to determine necessary interventions.
“These initiatives are well-conceived, and significant resources have already been invested in them. Since they are meant to benefit the people, it is only right that l inspect them to evaluate their current state and decide on the next steps,” he stated.
The Administrator highlighted the need for sustainable agricultural development in Rivers State to ensure food security and reduce dependence on imports. He stressed that supporting local farmers and enhancing production capabilities are crucial steps toward making agriculture more appealing to the youth.
“The three facilities we inspected today are vital links in the agricultural value chain. To achieve self-sufficiency in food production, we must enhance food security, empower locaI farmers, and promote domestic food output,” he explained.
“If these projects are fully operational, they will generate employment opportunities for our youth and contribute significantly to the national economy.”
During the visit, Retired Vice Admiral lbas also engaged with community leaders, youth, and women, urging them to protect government facilities in their areas. He warned against vandalism, stating that destroying public infrastructure undermines development efforts.
“I urge you to collaborate with security agencies, such as the police and the Nigerian Civil Defence Corps, to safeguard these assets. Damaging government property ultimately harms the community. We will work to restore these facilities for your benefit,” he assured.
The Administrator also assessed the ongoing reconstruction of internal roads on P-Mac Avenue in Rumuodara, Obio/Akpor LGA, accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Engr. Atemea Briggs.
Expressing satisfaction with the progress, Retired Vice Admiral lbas reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring timely completion. The contractor has pledged to deliver the project within the next two months, a promise the Administrator expects to be fulfilled.
“Significant progress has been made, and we are determined to see this project completed to improve living conditions for residents” he said.
With these efforts, the Rivers State Government under Retired Vice Admiral lbas aims to revitalize critical agricultural and infrastructural projects, fostering economic growth and improving livelihoods across the state.
