Rivers: Paramount ruler pledges support for  FG’s food security policy

By Lizzy Ikuru

Eleme (Rivers) Nov. 21, 2019 (NAN)

 His Highness, King Apollus Chu, Paramount ruler of Okori, Eleme, in Eleme local area council of Rivers has pledged determination to support the federal government’s policy on food security.
Chu made the pledge at his Eleme palace on Thursday while celebrating a bumper harvest of cassava and yams.
The Paramount ruler expressed satisfaction over the first phase of harvest with about 10 metric tons (100 wilbarows) of cassava and 17 metric tons (170 willbarrow) of yams especially as they were cultivated without any form of fertilizer inputs.
He urged politicians to stop enticing the youths with juicy political appointment that are rather short lived but support them to achieve a more sustainable livelihood in agriculture.
“I commend President Muhammadu Buhari led administration for giving priority to food security and support to our local farmers, this indeed is key to tackling unemployment and restiveness among our youths.
“Its disheartening seeing young graduates who should be in the agriculture mainstream rather in political offices, these youths with little or no tasking jobs are assigned huge pay packs.
“How could a youth haven been exposed to so much affluence  adjust to live an average life style the rest of his live after such a brief (4 years) of affluence? he asked.
The Paramount ruler also said that his company ANASAMI Farms has commenced work on  massive acres of farmland ahead of the 2020 planting season adding that no fewer that 100 youths would be hired for the project.
Commending the Paramount ruler, Brr. Philip Okparaji, Chairman of Eleme local government area said that his administration is poised to promoting agriculture.
“Let me first appreciate the king, what he has demonstrated today is in consonance with the agriculture policy of Eleme local government area.
The local government council authority has already resolved to partner ANASAMI Farms one of the agriculture initiatives of King Apollus Chu this indicates our consciousness in agricultural investment.
“We are partnering in the area of animal husbandry and crops so as to increase Internally generated income as well as creat employment for our teaming youths.
“By 2020 we also look forward to having a farm in Ebubu community here in Eleme, the council shall cultivate majorly tuber and vegetable crops in that farm.
“I want to assure us that by this time next year Eleme local area council shall showcase a huge harvest of agricultural produce,” he added.
The council boss also said that his administration has embarked on a vigorous campaign on agriculture to help instill consciousness in the youths.
“We have been educating our people, telling them that the days of White collar jobs are over in Nigeria.
“We have encouraged them to embrace skills acquisition for self reliance, we are already training some youths, after the trainings, we would assist them with starter packs to enable them pursue their dreams.

” For those of them who are ready to go into agriculture, we shall also give full support interms of agricultural trainings and inputs.
“Few days ago, some of our youths concluded training on enhancing the fish value chain and I can boldly say that Eleme local government area is committed to boosting agriculture,” The Council boss said.(NAN)