SATURDAY February 22, 2025 | TheNewsDESK
•empowers 294 persons with N250,000 each for agro-venture
The Ministry of Regional Development has revealed that it has embarked on several agricultural activities in the different regions aimed at developing rural economies, improving livelihood and eradicating poverty.
The Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh while making a presentation at the Ministerial Press Briefing on Friday, organized by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, said they have distributed critical equipment to farmers across the Niger Delta Region, including 81 Mechanical Tillers with Ploughs, Water Pumps, and Trailers.
He said additionally, they have provided 32 Fish Smoking Kilns to riverine communities, enhancing their agricultural productivity. And they are expecting the delivery of 2 Tractors with Harrows, Ploughs, Ridgers and Tipping Trailers, which were awarded under the 2024 Appropriation.
“We have also invested in agro-processing infrastructure, with the establishment of 2 mini agro-processing plants; an Oil Palm Processing Plant in Akwa Ibom State and a Cassava Processing Plant in Cross River State, valued at N171,186,892.38. Under the 2024 Appropriation,an additional 2 mini plants are being constructed.
“A mini-Rice Processing Mill at Bende Town and an Oil Palm Processing Plant in Ukwa East L.G.A., both in Abia State, valued at N288,919,304.15”, the Minister noted.
Furthermore, Engr Momoh said they have trained and provided seed capital of N250,000.00 each to 294 beneficiaries across the region in various agricultural enterprises and value chains through our training and empowerment programmes.
He said arrangements have been concluded to train and empower an additional 850 beneficiaries under the 2024 Appropriation.
“To support small and medium-sized enterprises, we have provided 165 sewing machines, grinding machines, and generating sets to entrepreneurs in Akwa Ibom State, valued at N248,950,000.00.
“Our commitment to women’s economic empowerment is evident in our clean stove initiative, which has benefited 600 women in Akwa Ibom, Imo, and Bayelsa States, at a cost of N82,680,000.00; and we have facilitated the provision of 67 Nos. Truck-Tricycles and 30 Nos. Motor Bikes to youths and farmers in our transportation intervention”, he stated.
The Minister stated that at the inception of the administration in 2023, they inherited some infrastructural development projects which include roads, water supply, rural electrification/solar street lights, and inland waterway transportation facilities which were ongoing at various levels of completion.
“Considering the huge impact and potential infrastructure plays in enhancing the livelihood and socio-economic well-being of the people, we focused our policies on ensuring the completion of such projects through prioritisation to achieve the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of Mr President in the Niger Delta Region”, he noted.
