Food security: Deploy your capacity to revitalise Songhai farms — Fubara tells taskforce
By Barth Ndubuwah, Port Harcourt
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has emphasised the urgent need for economic diversification in the state to combat food shortages and create jobs for the growing number of unemployed youths.
During the inauguration of the Taskforce responsible for revitalising the Songhai Integrated Farms, located in Bunu Tai, Governor Fubara highlighted the potential impact of addressing food security. He stated that effectively tackling food shortages could alleviate 40 to 50 percent of the current economic hardships facing the nation and its citizens.
“Great care has been taken to critically assess the prospects of revitalising the Songhai Integrated Farms,” he said, underscoring the significance of this initiative.
The Taskforce, chaired by Mr. Biedima Oliver, includes key members such as the Rivers State Commissioner for Agriculture, Engr. Victor Kii, and Commissioner for Finance, Barrister Emmanuel Frank-Fubara, among others.
Governor Fubara explained that the delay in forming the Taskforce stemmed from previous negative experiences with a former group that had shown interest in the project. He recounted an unsuccessful attempt to hand over Songhai Farms on concession to a partner who ultimately lacked the necessary capacity to proceed.
“We had signed an agreement with an investor after he presented his proposal, but then he requested a N5 billion bank guarantee. We questioned why, stating that if we had that amount, we could manage the revitalisation ourselves. As a result, we cancelled that arrangement,” he recalled.
Now, with two credible companies expressing interest and demonstrating their capability, Fubara expressed optimism for the future of the Songhai Farms. He acknowledged the community’s expectations for the farms to become operational and sustainable again.
“We want to achieve food sufficiency,” he declared. “When Songhai Farms is fully operational, it will help address one of the pressing problems we face in this country. By solving the issue of food, we can significantly alleviate many of our challenges.”
Governor Fubara’s commitment to revitalising agriculture in Rivers State signals a proactive approach to economic development and food security, essential for the well-being of the state’s residents.
