NEPAD PLEDGES INCREASED FOOD PRODUCTIVITY IN RIVERS STATE

The New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) has expressed its commitment to increase food productivity by revitalizing the agricultural sector in Rivers State.

SA to the Governor and State Coordinator of NEPAD, Dr Tex Wariboko, who stated this in a chat with newsmen, said NEPAD is working on involving all sectors of society in farming with a view to implementing its agricultural action plan by engaging necessary skills and expertise in food production. 

Dr Wariboko explained that to bridge the unemployment gap youths would be encouraged to engage in agriculture and stressed the need to train a new generation of farmers by teaching young people new methods and ways of farming thus creating viable means of generating revenue.

The NEPAD Coordinator said the body is currently working on its action plans in Infrastructural Development, Capacity Building for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs), Agriculture, Education and Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and creating partnerships and synergies to involve all sectors of society in raising the living standards of the people.

He disclosed that NEPAD is also dealing with climate change and pollution as captured in its environmental action plan, stressing that the effects of climate change is impacting negatively on the agricultural sector.

Calling on the Federal Government to address the negative impact of oil exploration in the Niger Delta region, Dr Wariboko said “because we earn for the whole country and because we bear the brunt of the consequences of oil exploration, the Federal Government needs to pay special attention to the region,” and “provide incentives to discourage the ex-militants from returning to the creeks”. 

He revealed that NEPAD will establish integrated farms in the 3 senatorial districts of the State and engage about 15,000 youths in agriculture, adding that his agency is partnering with the State Social Rehabilitation Committee to reintegrate and rehabilitate the ex-militants. 

“NEPAD’s agenda,” he said “is the grassroots,” and disclosed that the body aims to avert political interference by involving all stakeholders in its programmes.

He enjoined the citizens to stand up for their rights and insist on the kind of leadership they desire by casting and ensuring their votes count in the 2011 elections, urging the Federal Government to urgently review the electoral laws to ensure credible elections in 2011.