…as NIFOR donates 3,000 Oil Palm seedlings to Bayelsa

By Emem Idio, Yenagoa

Bayelsa State Governor Senator Douye Diri has approved over N500m for the purchase of agricultural equipment to ensure a robust agricultural sector and intensify the fight against food insecurity in the state.

The Governor made this known while declaring open, the “Awareness and Outreach Programme on Modern, Climate Resilient and Profitable Oil Palm Production in Bayelsa State”, organized by the Nigerian Institute For Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) in collaboration with the State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, held at Golden Tulip Hotel, Government House, Onopa, Yenagoa.

Represented by the Commissioner For Agriculture and Natural Resources, Prof. Beke Sese, the governor noted that the State, due to its fertile soil, climatic condition and strategic positioning at the heart of the Delta, is too naturally endowed to suffer from food scarcity.

Speaking on the need to address the challenges facing the Oil Palm industry in the state, Governor Diri disclosed that plans were on ground to revive the Bayelsa Palm, seated on about 1,212 hectares of land, the 970 hectares at the Otuoke axis, the 484 hectares of land around the Korokorosei Axis and the Biseni Axis, among others, as partnerships had been secured with the French Embassy for profitable investments.

The governor, while appreciating NIFOR for the timely sensitization and distribution of 3,000 seedlings to famers of the crop in the state, described the programme as well conceived, as it was in line with the ASSURED Prosperity Agenda of the present administration, which has agricultural revolution first in the order of preference.

In his address, NIFOR Director and Head of Extension and Economics Research Development Department, Dr. Olusegun Solomon who represented the Chief Executive Director, disclosed that the research institute was in the State due to its agenda to revive the already relegated Oil Palm Industry in Nigeria, and sensitize the people and encourage them to take advantage of the numerous benefits of the crop, as Bayelsa is one of the most prominent states for the development of the Oil Palm industry, though it has remained dormant, unlike Edo and Cross River States.

The Director who appreciated the state government for their support in ensuring the event was a reality, expressed hopes that the programme will be the sign of a new beginning in the Oil Palm industry in the state.

Earlier, in his welcome address, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources Dr. Hamilton Ekeke appreciated NIFOR for the program and assured that the doors of the Ministry were opened for more positive collaborations, especially in line with food production.

Dr. Ekeke urged the beneficiaries to make practical use of the seedlings in order to further encourage the Government to invest more in the the Agricultural sector.

Other dignitaries present at the event were; Barr. Tari-ere Joyce Gita, Special Adviser to the the Governor on Agriculture; NYSC Bayelsa State Coordinator, Mrs. Okpalifo Obiageli Charity; State coordinator, Nigeria Export Promotion Council Bayelsa office Mrs. Slyvia Adeneye, Paramount Ruler of Onuebum, Chief KK Osai, Director of Finance, Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Christopher Johnson; Director of Engineering, Engr. Doubra Adou; and members of Trees for tomorrow Initiatives.

Others were Dr. Mrs Adakaren, Director of Rafia and other Palms Research Development, NIFOR; Dr. Nnamdi Chidi, Asst Director/Asst. Head, Rafia and other palms research for development, NIFOR; Dr. Lucky Igene, Head of Extension Division, NIFOR, Chief Patrick, Chairman, Oil Palm Growers of Nigeria, among others.