Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has tasked chairmen of the eight local government areas in the state to key into his administration’s efforts to boost agriculture, ensure food security, and job creation. Governor Diri emphasized that his administration is committed to boosting food production through large-scale farming across communities in the state.

Speaking during a meeting with council chairmen in Government House, Yenagoa, Diri identified agriculture as a major pillar of his administration’s agenda and stressed the need to explore the state’s potential in the sector and enhance its value chain for job and wealth creation, thereby diversifying the state’s economy.

Diri directed the chairmen to work closely with relevant ministries to establish demonstration farms under the supervision of his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo. He also charged the heads of the third tier of government to identify crops that have comparative advantage, as well as go into vegetable, fruit, aquaculture, and poultry production.

“I already directed all chairmen to own farms and maybe fish farms,” Diri said. “Like I said, fishing is compulsory for all of you in all our local government areas. I want to see government officials involved in farming so that you are giving what you already have. The next time I will meet with you, I want to hear about the farms that you own.”

The governor emphasized the need to revive existing farms and acquire large expanses of land towards actualizing the government’s vision and making a lasting impact in the sector. He also mentioned the establishment of fish terminals in the state, starting with Bayelsa State, and the possibility of extending the project to all local governments.

The council chairmen, including Tariye Leilei, Jeremiah Golden, Alice Tangi, Bulodiseyi Ndiwari, Target Segibo, and Isaac Onniye, assured that they would establish demonstration farms and implement the government’s vision. They lauded the governor’s vision for agriculture and food security in the state and spoke about their plans, challenges, and individual efforts to revive and boost food production in their areas.