Dealers want FG to tap rice production potentials in South-South

The Regional Coordinator, South-South, Rice Paddy Dealers Association of Nigeria, Engema Jumbo, has called on the federal government to consider and focus on the potentials of the South-South region for rice production as the government moves to stop importation of rice. In a statement in Abuja, the group observed that, “The plan for the agricultural […]

The Regional Coordinator, South-South, Rice Paddy Dealers Association of Nigeria, Engema Jumbo, has called on the federal government to consider and focus on the potentials of the South-South region for rice production as the government moves to stop importation of rice.
In a statement in Abuja, the group observed that, “The plan for the agricultural sector by the Buhari’s administration is laudable and should be supported for it to succeed. We can see the effort and plans for the rice sub-sector by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, and the Minister of State, Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, for more productivity and improvement of the sub-sector. 
“We want to appeal to the Minister of State, Agriculture, Sen Lokpobiri, to consider and focus on the South-South geo-political zone for rice massive rice production.
“We are saying this because this part of the country has a natural terrain where it is easy for the cultivation, processing and production of rice. And a state in the region can take care of rice demand in the country and also for export.
In another statement, the Bayelsa State chapter of the association, condoled with the family and people of Kogi State over the sudden demise of Minister of State for Labour, Mr. James Ocholi, his wife and son on Sunday afternoon.
The statement signed by the state chairman, Engr. Lawrence Lokiri,  described the death as shocking and big loss to the nation.
The statement reads in part: “We are really pained in our heart over this incidence because Nigeria and Kogi State in particular, have lost a rare human asset like Ocholi, especially in this era of change, which his contribution is highly needed.”