Delta Monarch Tasks Farmers on Food Security

Eko Hot Blog reports that His Majesty, Obukowho Whiskey Udurhie I, the Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom in Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State, has called upon Nigerians to seize the opportunity the current rainy season to bolster food security across the state.

In a statement made on Monday, the traditional ruler emphasized that now is not the time to lament hunger but to utilize the ongoing rainy season effectively by returning to agricultural activities to ensure food sufficiency in Nigeria.

Highlighting the pressing need for action, the monarch also appealed to the Federal Government to prioritize addressing the persistent conflicts between farmers and herders.

He stressed the importance of ensuring the safety of farmers while they work on their farms, noting that insecurity has significantly hampered agricultural productivity in many communities nationwide, leading to food scarcity.

During an interaction with journalists at his palace in Idjerhe Kingdom, His Majesty reiterated that Nigerians should not solely rely on the government for food provision but should instead receive adequate support and encouragement to engage in productive farming activities.

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“The government’s role should primarily be to provide the necessary security framework and to motivate people to cultivate their farms. If individuals invest their efforts in farming, it is essential that their hard work is protected from any form of destruction,” the king emphasized.

Furthermore, the Delta monarch called on the Federal Government to adopt a decentralized approach to fertilizer distribution, advocating for distribution across geopolitical zones. This, he argued, would ensure accountability and encourage each zone to maximize agricultural productivity.

“We need a system where fertilizers are distributed based on geopolitical zones. This will enable us to track the utilization of fertilizers in each zone and hold them accountable for their contributions to agricultural development,” he stated.

As Nigeria grapples with the challenge of food security, the Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom urged all stakeholders to work together towards enhancing agricultural practices and securing the nation’s food supply chain. His call comes amidst ongoing efforts to mitigate the impact of insecurity on farming activities and ensure sustainable food production across the country.

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