Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, says his administration is set to revitalize moribund agricultural facilities across the state as part of efforts to boost industrial growth and create jobs for young people.
This was contained in a press statement made available to newsmen by the Senior Special Adviser on Media to the Rivers State Government, Hector Igbikiowubo.
According to the statement, Vice Admiral Ibas gave the assurance after inspecting several government-owned agricultural assets, including PABOD Farm in Elimgbu, Atali Farms in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Siat Nigeria Limited in Ubima (Ikwerre LGA), and the Port Harcourt Technical and Vocational Centre.
Expressing concern over the state of the facilities, the Administrator lamented years of neglect and mismanagement, describing the situation as a major setback to the state’s agricultural and industrial ambitions.
“These facilities were established for the benefit of our people, but due to years of mismanagement, we are now forced to reinvest to restore them. The good news is—we have the political will to act,” Ibas was quoted as saying.
The statement noted that reviving the facilities would not only help diversify the state’s economy but also provide much-needed employment for the teeming youth population.
At Siat Nigeria Limited, Vice Admiral Ibas was said to have commended the company’s collaboration with local communities and traditional rulers, describing it as a model for sustainable development.
“The harmony between Siat Nigeria, its host communities, and the government is commendable. It’s a model of partnership we want to see replicated across the state,” the statement quoted him.
The Rivers Administrator also pledged to upgrade the Port Harcourt Technical and Vocational Centre to meet industry standards and equip youths with hands-on skills for today’s job market.
According to the statement, the broader goal is to make agriculture and vocational training the bedrock of economic transformation in Rivers State.
Present during the inspection were the Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Maurice Ogolo, and the Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor LGA, Dr. Walter Ndu.
