Hope seems to rise in the agric sector in Rivers State especially the N3.6bn Rivers Songhai Farms Initiative (RSFI) which has been overgrown with weeds since the exit of Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi over a decade ago.
Now, Ibok Ekwe Ibas, retired vice admiral, who is Sole Administrator (Solad) of Rivers State, has visited the place at Bunu Tai in Tai local Council Area and hinted about readiness to revive it.
The Solad told newsmen about his plans to implement strategic measures to revive the state-owned project, aiming to boost food production and create sustainable employment opportunities for the youths of Rivers State.
The project was initiated by Amaechi being managed by the Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA) which itself was earlier established by Amaechi’s predecessor, Peter Odili, with support from some multinational corporations which felt the need to create economic sustainability in Rivers State to reduce pressure on the IOCs.
The Amaechi administration partnered with Songhai International in Porto-Novo, Republic of Benin, to develop a version 20 times the original, and the biggest Songhai farm complex in the world.
Towards the end of Amaechi administration, financial constraints pressured the administration into wanting to privatise it, and John Deere of the US showed huge interest, intending to use the complex to set up its tractor assembly plant for West Africa, but fierce political crisis was said to have scared them into wait-and-see mode. At last, they seemed right to withdraw.
The project was left fallow all through the eight years of the next administration until the Sim Fubara administration came into place and showed interest in reactivating it.
This is touted as one of Fubara’s actions that triggered bad blood between him and his godfather.
Now, the Sole Administrator has commended the initiative and has pledged readiness to bring it back on stream, saying it would help in food production and job creation.
The Administrator made this commitment during an inspection tour of the farm’s facilities in Bunu Tai Community, Tai Local Government Area, on Saturday. He was accompanied by Tammy Jaja, the farm’s coordinator, and Morrison Ogolo, the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Agriculture.
The visit is said to have also included stops at other key agricultural facilities, such as the TechFarms Slaughter House in Mgbuosimini and the Rivers State Veterinary Hospital and Diagnostics Laboratory in Rumuodomaya, both in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
After receiving briefings from ministry officials, according to a statement by the Sole Administrator’s Special Adviser on Media (SSA media), Hector Igbikiowubo, retired vice admiral emphasized the importance of assessing the projects firsthand to determine necessary interventions.
The statement said: “These initiatives are well-conceived, and significant resources have already been invested in them. Since they are meant to benefit the people, it is only right that l inspect them to evaluate their current state and decide on the next steps.”
The Administrator highlighted the need for sustainable agricultural development in Rivers State to ensure food security and reduce dependence on imports. He stressed that supporting local farmers and enhancing production capabilities are crucial steps toward making agriculture more appealing to the youth.
“The three facilities we inspected today are vital links in the agricultural value chain. To achieve self-sufficiency in food production, we must enhance food security, empower local farmers, and promote domestic food output,” he explained.
“If these projects are fully operational, they will generate employment opportunities for our youth and contribute significantly to the national economy.”
During the visit, lbas also engaged with community leaders, youth, and women, urging them to protect government facilities in their areas. He warned against vandalism, stating that destroying public infrastructure undermines development efforts.
“I urge you to collaborate with security agencies such as the police and the Nigerian Civil Defence Corps to safeguard these assets. Damaging government property ultimately harms the community. We will work to restore these facilities for your benefit,” he assured.
The Administrator also assessed the ongoing reconstruction of internal roads on P-Mac Avenue in Rumuodara, Obio/Akpor LGA, accompanied by Atema Briggs, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works.
Expressing satisfaction with the progress, the retired vice admiral reaffirmed commitment to ensuring timely completion. The contractor has pledged to deliver the project within the next two months, a promise the Administrator expects to be fulfilled.
“Significant progress has been made, and we are determined to see this project completed to improve living conditions for residents” he said.
With these efforts, the Rivers State Government under lbas aims to revitalize critical agricultural and infrastructural projects, fostering economic growth and improving livelihoods across the state.
