By Our Correspondent
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) has sought more collaboration with the Ondo State Government to enhance the agricultural sector.
Mr Tony Otuonye, FMARD Coordinator in the state, made the call during a courtesy visit to the Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Olayato Aribo, in Akure.
Otuonye explained that he was in the ministry to brief the commissioner about the FMARD projects in the state.
He said the state stands to gain a lot if the government maintained its cordial relationship with the federal government.
The state coordinator said that communities, states and local governments, settlements and associations among others, had benefitted from the ministry.
Need for Collaboration against Facilities Vandalism:
According to him, the state government should play its own roles through collaborations to get the Federal Government’s attention.
Otuonye frowned at the high rate of vandalisation of the federal government’s projects in the state.
He appealed to state government and communities for adequate protection of projects set up for their benefit.
“Out of three solar boreholes in Ondo town, one has been vandalised and is no more useful.
“Also in Akure town, some people have removed one of the pumps of a solar borehole installed there.
Read Related News:
China donates agriculture demonstration centre to Nigeria
Nigeria’ll earn N18bn from grain silos concession – Minister
FCT empowers 2,000 fish farmers with inputs
“The pump was bought at N650,000 but now sold at more than N1 million,” the coordinator said.
At Ile-Oluji in Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo Local Government Area, he lamented that vandals destroyed a giant warehouse and a mini water treatment plant provided for the people.
If managed well, he said, the facilities will empower many people in the communities.
“The facilities will also generate revenue for both the local and state governments.
“It now behoves the state and local governments, communities and others to protect our projects for them to get more FG interventions.”
Commissioner for Agriculture’s Response:
Responding, Mr Olayato Aribo, Commissioner for Agriculture, expressed the state government’s appreciation to the FMARD for executing many projects in the state.
Responding to facilities vandalisation in the state, Aribo promised the government’s readiness to protect all the FMARD projects.
“We are ready to partner more with the federal government to eradicate poverty in our society through agriculture.
“Our people will be happy to feel the impact of the federal government.
“On vandalisation, therefore, the state government will do the needful.
“I am imploring our community leaders, Obas and chiefs to monitor and protect the federal government’s projects for the benefit of their communities,” he said.
Do you have a flair for Citizenship Journalism? Share story(ies) of happenings in your area with The NewsZenith on WhatsApp: 08033668669 or thenewszenith@gmail.com
