Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority (NDBDA), Prince Ebitimi Amgbare has met with Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to express commitment to work closely with the state government to improve food production across the region.
The development is part of NDBDA`s ongoing familiarization tour of key operational areas under the agency.
Amgbare, who was accompanied by key officials such as Dr. Roland Gbarabe, Director of Agriculture Services, and Engr. Quadri Olatubosun, Director of Engineering Services, met with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori at the Government House in Asaba on Tuesday.
During the meeting, Amgbare shared that the NDBDA has farms in several communities across the state, including Orogun, Obodo, Isiokolo, Koko, and the Imensi farms under the Idemili area office, and he urged the state government to offer the necessary support.
“As a Basin Authority, we must collaborate with the State Government. It is an interventionist agency. We need you to partner with us to produce food for the people. Please give us all the necessary support,” he said.
Governor Oborevwori, represented by the Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme, expressed the State Government’s readiness to partner with the agency to enhance food security.
Onyeme noted that the State Government is deeply committed to food security and has established committees focused on this goal, with him serving as chairman of one of them.
He said, “We have a strong interest in food security. The State Government has even set up two committees to boost food security in the state. The Delta State Government is 100 percent willing to partner with the NDBDA.”
Onyeme also requested details on the NDBDA’s locations and proposed ways the State Government could collaborate with them. He stressed the need for various sectors to work together to support the committee on food security. According to him, “It will allow the dividends of democracy to reach the people.”
“By your visit, a very important collaboration between the Delta State Government and the NDBDA has taken place today,” Onyeme added.
As part of his state tour, Amgbare visited the agency’s area offices in Orogun and Isiokolo.
During his visit, he was warmly received by Chief Wilfred Oliseneku, President-General of the Emonu Community, Orogun, along with members of the agency’s staff.
Amgbare expressed his satisfaction with the extensive assets under the agency’s care and pledged to restore their functionality.
He outlined his vision for transforming these area offices into markets and hubs for farm products, noting that these locations would serve as key points for buyers.
“I am happy to see the wonderful assets here. Our goal is to make them work. We should see people here, build a market, and make it a hub,” he remarked.
During his visit to the Isiokolo farms, Amgbare commended the staff for keeping the operations running despite several challenges. He assured them of the NDBDA’s commitment to reviving the farm through fresh funding, aiming to achieve food security.
He further emphasized that the ongoing collaboration between the NDBDA and the Delta State Government would soon yield positive results.
In addition to his visits in Delta State, Amgbare also inspected the famous Peremabiri Rice Farm in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State earlier in the week. He revealed plans to revive the farm and called on the local community to support the initiative, stressing the need for collective efforts in making the project a reality.