Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, says the Commission will continue to leverage evolving technology to improve agricultural productivity in its mandate states.
Speaking in New York, at the opening session of the NDDC Food Security Innovation and Investment Summit, Ogbuku said the Commission was committed to creating an enabling environment for investors by streamlining processes and providing incentives for those who wish to invest in the agricultural sector.
The managing director, represented by the NDDC Executive Director, Projects, Sir Victor Antai, explained that in seeking innovative solutions to address food security in the Niger Delta, the Commission would always explore partnerships and collaborations with governments, private sectors, and research institutions aimed at creating an ecosystem that supports innovation in agriculture.
He highlighted adopting modern and innovative farming techniques, investing in biotechnology for crop resilience, and utilising data analytics for better resource management as sure approaches to achieving desired results.
“We understand the importance of healthy investment in transforming our agricultural landscape. We believe that with adequate investment in infrastructure, such as storage and preservation facilities, and irrigation systems, we can significantly reduce post-harvest losses and enhance food distribution networks in the Niger Delta and beyond.
“In addition to investments, we are exploring support from grant funders and international organisations that offer substantial funding for projects to enhance food security. The support from funding and technical expertise of Non-governmental and philanthropic organisations are also critical for scaling up food security in the Niger Delta,” he said.
Ogbuku added that challenges in the Niger Delta region were magnified by environmental degradation, climate change, and socio-economic disparities, maintaining that innovative solutions for sustainable agriculture development was key to overcoming these challenges.
He said: “This Summit is also about building relations that would foster capacity building, research and development and policy support. We seek Public-Private Partnerships and collaborations that will lead to innovative solutions for food security in the Niger Delta.
“We have chosen to make our pitch here in the financial capital of the world as a unique platform to communicate and engage globally. We will learn from successes and failures by sharing knowledge and best practices from different regions worldwide and across sectors. We must build networks that transcend geographical boundaries as we can tackle food insecurity more effectively.”
Dr Ogbuku urged participants and stakeholders at the summit, including government representatives, NGOs, and private investors, to commit not just words but actions towards achieving food security in the Niger Delta.
“Let us work collaboratively towards innovative solutions that will empower farmers, support local economies, and ensure no one goes hungry. Remember that our efforts here today are not merely about addressing immediate needs but laying down a foundation for future generations,” he added.
The Managing Director, who described the summit as crucial, stressed, “Together we can cultivate a Niger Delta where food security is no longer a distant goal but a reality.
“Our mission in NDDC is to develop the Niger Delta into a region that is economically prosperous, socially stable, ecologically regenerative, and politically peaceful. Our mandate includes formulating policies and guidelines, planning and implementing projects, and developing key infrastructure to promote economic diversification and productivity, amongst others.”
Invited guests, investors and stakeholders who spoke, including the Consul General of Nigeria in New York USA, Ambassador Abubakar Jidda, represented by Consul Kemi Amuda, in charge of Trade and Investment, extolled the determination of the current management of the NDDC towards a better life for the people of the oil-rich Niger Delta region.
Some global investor organisations and companies, including Biotech Incorporated, Tokes Consulting Incorporated, Alliance for Food Security Action in Africa and Convergence Finances, made presentations at the summit and pledged to partner with the NDDC towards achieving increased agricultural productivity and sustainable food security in the mandate states of the Commission.
