National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Chuks Peter, DELTA
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Thursday, flagged off the third phase of the state’s grain palliative distribution exercise.
During the event, held at the Delta Agricultural Procurement Agency (DAPA) Warehouse in Ibusa, Oshimili North Local Government Area, the Governor urged civil servants and other workers to engage in small-scale farming to combat the rising hunger across the country.
While pointing out the importance of food security, Governor Oborevwori called on the subsidy palliative distribution committee to include all farmers, noting that not all are members of farmers’ associations.
“We have completed the first and second phases. We decided to make this third phase more significant because, if you don’t announce your efforts, no one else will,” said Oborevwori.
“We have done many things over the past year that have not been showcased. Delta State was the first in Nigeria to consider civil servants in the palliative measures.”
Reflecting on past actions, the Governor recounted how the state addressed the hardships caused by fuel subsidy removal by paying outstanding promotion arrears amounting to over N5.6 billion and providing N10,000 stipends to 50,193 workers for three months, which cost the state over N1.5 billion.
Regarding the current phase of palliative distribution, Oborevwori stated, “We are here today to distribute rice and maize that we have received.
“We received 24,000 units of 25kg bags of rice from the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN), 4,700 units of 25kg bags of garri, and 18,770 units of 50kg bags of maize from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the National Security Adviser’s Office.”
He acknowledged the contributions from donor agencies and recalled that between August and September 2023, the state received 17,400 units of 50kg bags of rice and 40,000 units of 50kg bags of maize in collaboration with the Federal Government, distributed in the first and second phases to the state’s most vulnerable.
Oborevwori emphasised the need for the current distribution phase to reach notable farmers outside of farmers’ associations.
Committees at the Local Government Areas, including the NLC, faith-based organisations, community Presidents-General, traditional institutions, and NGOs, oversee the distribution.
He also encouraged civil servants from levels 1-14 to work in shifts to save money on fuel and invest in farming.
“If 60% of our 50,000-plus workers engage in farming, there will be food sufficiency,” he stated, praising a lecturer who has encouraged others to farm.
He assured that the administration would continue to prioritise citizens’ welfare and explore ways to alleviate hardship.
Earlier, Dr. Kingsley Emu, Chairman of the State Subsidy Palliative Committee and Secretary to the State Government, praised Governor Oborevwori for initiating 317 road projects, which facilitate farm produce evacuation and boost the state’s economy.
Representatives of poultry, fishery, and piggery farmers, including Chief Eric Tomfawei, Ogbueshi Adim Nwokobia, Dr. Amatu Edozie, Mary Odiatu, and Dr. Emmanuella Clinton, commended the Governor for supporting farmers and pledged their commitment to ensuring sustainable food security in Delta State and beyond.
