Similari Fubara, the suspended governor of Rivers State may be temporarily out of office, his plans have not been totally discarded by the administration of the Sole Administrator, Retired Vice-Admiral Ibok Ibas. This is evident in the decision of the Sole Administrator to revive the Rivers Songhai Farms that had suffred neglect since the exit of former governor Rotimi Amaechi. Fubara had said last year, while visiting the farm, that his government would revive the farm in line with the decision reached a the national economic council meeting. He said, “In our last National Economic Council meeting, because of the present situation of our economy, which you are aware; the issue of removal of fuel subsidy and other economic bites affecting everyone, everybody was advised to diversify. The other option is agriculture and we were all advised to see what we can do to improve on food sufficiency,” and also generate employment. Lamenting the decaying infrastructure at the farms, Fubara had said that his administration would bring in the people who will reposition the farms to achieve the desired objectives.
Ibas restated this during an inspection tour of the farm at Bunu Tai Community, in the Tai Local Government Area, to assess the facilities there. has The administrator pledged to revive the state-owned Songhai Integrated Farms to enhance food production and create sustainable employment opportunities for Rivers youths.
With the administrator on the tour was the farm’s coordinator, Dr. Tammy Jaja, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Morrison Ogolo. Ibas did noy stop at the Songhai farms. He also inspected other key agricultural facilities, including the TechFarms Slaughter House and the Rivers State Veterinary Hospital and Diagnostics Laboratory.
Ibas emphasised the need for sustainable agricultural development in Rivers State to ensure food security and reduce dependence on imports. He highlighted the importance of supporting local farmers and enhancing production capabilities to make agriculture more appealing to youths.
The administrator urged community leaders, youth, and women to protect government facilities in their areas, warning against vandalism and stressing that damaging public infrastructure undermines developmental efforts. He also assessed the ongoing reconstruction of internal roads on P-Mac Avenue in Rumuodara, Obio/Akpor LGA, and expressed satisfaction with the progress.
Ibas reaffirmed his commitment to completing the road project to improve living conditions for residents. He believes that reviving Songhai Farms and completing infrastructure projects will generate employment opportunities and contribute significantly to the national economy.