The federal government has unveiled a significant agricultural initiative in Bayelsa state, focusing on large-scale rice farming to boost local production and economic development.
The project is a component of the government’s initiatives to guarantee national food security.
The goal of the “ProjectEarnFromTheSoil” initiative is to strengthen agribusinesses, coastal communities, smallholder farmers, and fishermen throughout the South-South region.
The project was formally launched in Bayelsa State over the weekend. It is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to cultivate 500,000 hectares of land, support year-round farming, and promote the consumption of foods grown locally.
During the launch, Bayelsa’s enormous potential for large-scale rice production was emphasized by Hon. Gift Johnbull, the senior special assistant to the president on community engagement, South-South, who drew inspiration from the Netherlands’ success, a nation with a similar land mass.
Johnbull stated: “Bayelsa’s capacity for rice production is a gold mine waiting to be fully realized. With the right support and empowerment of our women, we can see Bayelsa emerge as a rice production powerhouse, ensuring food security and boosting our economy.”
The initiative involves the domestication of the National Women Economic Empowerment Policy (WEE Policy) and the launch of the “ProjectEarnFromTheSoil”, both of which are designed to integrate women into the agricultural sector and unlock the state’s vast potential.
In addition to creating jobs, the senior special assistant emphasized the value of empowering women through training, access to resources, and strategic support, noting that doing so will strengthen legacies, improve food security, and stimulate the economy.
“Through this initiative, we aim to directly benefit 500,000 smallholder farmers, fisherfolk, agribusinesses, and coastal communities in the South-South region.
“By harnessing the power of Bayelsa’s land, resources, and people, we can create a thriving, equitable, and prosperous future for the state and the entire region,” Johnbull said.
Over 10 cooperatives cutting across six value chains of agriculture have been registered for free, she said, calling on all stakeholders to commit to this course with passion and dedication.
She said it is a crucial step in achieving President Bola Tinubu’s renewed focus on food security and economic diversification.
In his keynote speech, Dagogo Edmundson on behalf of Odoko Omiloli, commissioner of the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Productivity in Bayelsa State, reaffirmed the ministry’s dedication to advancing women’s status and enhancing their contribution to the development of their country.
The commissioner emphasized that in order to guarantee the program’s effective execution and oversight, the ministry is prepared to work with the federal government and other pertinent organizations.
Additionally, Alfred Watson, the commissioner of community engagement and development for the state of Bayelsa, expressed the readiness of the state to collaborate with any agency involved in the program, as directed by the government, acknowledging the significant advantages it will provide for both the women and the state overall. Watson was represented by Inenyo Yousuo-Ogbulu.
Representatives from the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Bank of Agriculture, Nexim, Zenith Bank, and several other organizations pledged to improve women’s economic opportunities in Bayelsa state.
