The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, has reiterated the commission's commitment and efforts to leveraging on evolving technology to improve agricultural productivity in its mandate across all Niger Delta states.
The NDDC boss while speaking in New York, United States, during the opening session of the NDDC Food Security Innovation and Investment Summit, said the Commission is fully committed to creating an enabling environment for investors through streamlining processes and providing incentives for those who are interested in investing in the agricultural sector.
This was released in a statement issued in Port Harcourt today, Friday, 25th of October, by the Director of Corporate Affairs, NDDC, Seledi Thompson-Wakama and delivered to journalists.
Dr. Samuel Ogbuku was represented by the NDDC Executive Director, Projects, Victor Antai, who stated that in seeking innovative solutions to address food security in the Niger Delta, the Commission is set to always explore partnerships and collaborations with governments, private sectors, and research institutions aimed towards creating an ecosystem that supports innovation in agriculture.
He further said that, the Commission is investing in biotechnology for crop resilience, adopting modern and innovative farming techniques, and utilising data analytics for better resource management as best approaches to achieving desired results.
“We understand the importance of healthy investment in transforming our agricultural landscape. We believe that with adequate investment in infrastructure, such as storage and preservation facilities, and irrigation systems, we can significantly reduce post-harvest losses and enhance food distribution networks in the Niger Delta and beyond"
“In addition to investments, we are exploring support from grant funders and international organisations that offer substantial funding for projects to enhance food security. The support from funding and technical expertise of Non-governmental and philanthropic organisations are also critical for scaling up food security in the Niger Delta" he said.
Speaking further, he added that challenges in the Niger Delta region were magnified by environmental degradation, climate change, and socio-economic disparities, stressing that innovative solutions for sustainable agriculture development were key to overcoming these challenges.
The statement partly reads thus : “This Summit is also about building relations that would foster capacity building, research and development and policy support. We seek Public-Private Partnerships and collaborations that will lead to innovative solutions for food security in the Niger Delta".
At the summit, he urged participants and stakeholders, including government representatives, NGOs, and private investors, to commit not just words but actions towards achieving food security in the Niger Delta.
“Let us work collaboratively towards innovative solutions that will empower farmers, support local economies, and ensure no one goes hungry. Remember that our efforts here today are not merely about addressing immediate needs but laying down a foundation for future generations,” he said.
Also speaking, some investors at the summit, the Consul General of Nigeria in New York USA, His Excellency Ambassador Abubakar Jidda, represented by Consul Kemi Amuda, in charge of Trade and Investment, expressed the determination of the current management of the NDDC towards a better life and experience for the people of the oil-rich Niger Delta region.
Global investor organisations at the summit, such as Biotech Incorporated, Tokes Consulting Incorporated (Canada), Alliance for Food Security Action in Africa and Convergence Finances, made presentations at the summit and stated their desire to partner with the NDDC towards achieving increased agricultural productivity and sustainable food security in the Niger Delta.
