Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and host states.
According to Fubara, such partnerships are essential for the effective planning and implementation of programs that can drive real developmental impact in the Niger Delta region.
The governor made these remarks during the official launch of the FGN/NDDC/IFAD Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises for Akwa Ibom, Imo, and Rivers States. The event took place in Port Harcourt on Friday, where the governor was represented by his Special Adviser on Civil Society Relations, Prince Nna.
Speaking on behalf of the governor, Nna stressed that agriculture is a key focus of the current administration in Rivers State.
He noted, “Agriculture is a major area of concentration of the present administration in Rivers State. Just a few days ago, the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, inaugurated the Board of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency to drive investment and economic development in the State, with a focus on agriculture.”
Nna further highlighted the importance of collaboration between the NDDC and host communities, particularly with respect to the role state governments play in the Land Use Act.
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He expressed satisfaction with the launch of the second phase of the initiative, which now includes Rivers State, and assured the state’s full support in its implementation.
Nna also reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to agricultural development, pointing to the recent inauguration of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency’s Board as a major step toward attracting partnerships and investments in the state.
He extended an invitation to genuine investors in the agricultural value chain, encouraging them to leverage the opportunities provided by the state’s vast agricultural potential, and reassured them that the government had created a conducive environment for high returns on investment.
In his own remarks, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the Managing Director and CEO of NDDC, outlined the goals of the initiative. He stated that the project aims to break new ground by fostering opportunities for wealth creation and enhancing food security across Niger Delta states. This, he added, aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of an emergency on agriculture.
The event culminated in the official launch of the FGN/NDDC/IFAD Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises – Niger Delta (LIFE-ND). Dignitaries in attendance included NDDC MD/CEO Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Abubakar Kyari, and Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, both of whom were represented at the event alongside other NDDC board members.
