The Rivers State Government has earmarked the sum of N2Billion for the launch of a Farmer/Fisherman Empowerment Programme. The scheme is designed to buy and distribute farm produce to the people of the state.
The Rivers State Governor, His Excellency Barr. Nyesom Wike, in a press conference on Monday in Government House said that, the Government will purchase all agricultural products in the state, for distribution to the less privileged. This is in a move to ease hunger occasioned by the lockdown in the state.
“Our goal is to ensure that no agricultural product like Yam, Garri, Plantain, Palm oil and Fish leaves our State during this period. While the farmers and fishermen will make their profits, the less privileged will have enough food supply for their families.” He stated.
Governor Wike who said that funds for the COVID-19 intervention are captured in the 2020 budget. He informed the people of the state that the 33-member committee inaugurated earlier today are to oversee the task.
The committee is chaired by Dr. Tammy Danagogo, Secretary to the State Government while the commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Fred Kpakol is the secretary.
