Port Harcourt – In a bold move to stimulate economic growth and tackle youth unemployment, the Rivers State Government has announced plans to revitalize abandoned agricultural facilities across the state.
The State Administrator, His Excellency Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, made the declaration on Friday after an inspection tour of key state-owned farms, including PABOD Farm in Elimgbu, Atali Farms in Obio/Akpo LGA, and Siat Nigeria Limited in Ubima, Ikwerre LGA. He also visited the Port Harcourt Technical and Vocational Centre to assess its readiness for retooling.
“We Must Not Waste Past Investments” – Ibas
Expressing disappointment at the decay of once-thriving agro-industrial projects, the Administrator lamented the failure of host communities to protect government investments.
“It is painful to see these facilities, built with taxpayers’ money, lying in ruins. While government provided the infrastructure, communities must take ownership. Now, we must spend scarce resources to revive what should have been protected,” he stated.
However, he assured that the current administration possesses the political will to breathe new life into the abandoned farms, transforming them into job-creating enterprises.
Public-Private Partnerships Key to Success
At Siat Nigeria Limited, a thriving agro-allied company, Ibas held strategic talks with management and traditional rulers, emphasizing the need for stronger collaboration between investors and host communities.
“The peace enjoyed here shows what’s possible when companies and communities work as partners. This model must be replicated across Rivers State to attract more investors,” the Administrator noted.
Vocational Training Gets Boost
The tour also included an assessment of the Port Harcourt Technical and Vocational Centre, where Ibas pledged to upgrade facilities for enhanced skills training.
“When we revive this center, our youths will acquire industry-relevant skills that make them employable or self-reliant,” he said.
It is expected that the revitalization plan could: create thousands of jobs in agriculture and ancillary sectors, reduce youth restiveness through gainful employment and position Rivers State as an agro-industrial hub
Government sources reveal that a technical committee will soon be constituted to audit all moribund facilities and recommend revival strategies within 90 days.
As Rivers State takes this decisive step towards agricultural rejuvenation, stakeholders await tangible actions to match the strong rhetoric from Government House.
