Agriculture And Industrialisation

Delta State has tremendous potentials in agriculture. My administration will pursue multiple strategies that will boost agricultural produce and encourage the free market for raw materials and foodstuffs. Our asset-based economic growth strategy will engender inclusive growth, job creation, and re-birth of local communities.

I shall engage the youth in farming through a structured process that will encourage cluster farming alongside supporting and promoting out-growers associations. Robust and focused agricultural extension services will be put in place to support the farmers. Input provision, mechanisation and cooperative faming will be aggressively pursued.

There will be a structured relationship with the farming population with a view to enhancing production, storage and marketing; provision and improvement of transportation infrastructure in the rural areas to facilitate movement of farm produce. Is is my earnest desire to encourage and create the enabling environment for commercial farming to thrive through the private sector and Public/Private Partnership. I will ensure the active participation of the Local Government Areas in the development of agriculture. The agro-ecological diversity of the state in upland, lowland, and riverine sectors will be taken into consideration in developing agriculture and agro-business. In doing so, I shall seek collaboration with Local Government as well as cooperation/collaboration with agencies of the Federal Government and global institutions. There is no gainsaying the fact that success in the agricultural and agro-business sector will provide multiplier effects on security and peace building through job creation.

Commerce and Industry

Delta State is the home, historically, for commercial activities. Definite steps shall be taken to create conducive business environment that will attract commercial businesses and private sector investments from outside and within the country, and thereby boost employment opportunities. The evidence as of today is one in which we need more involvement in the development of agro-based industries .In the same way, the multiple products and by-products of the oil and gas available int he state deserve better focus for industrialisation which, in turn, will foster increased commerce. I shall utilise the senatorial basis and local government features of the state to drive theses areas of focus.

Already, the state , under the outgoing administration, has embarked upon certain large industrial activities such as the Warri Industrial Business Park, Free Economic Zones, and 10 small scale industries under Public/Private Partnership scheme. If completed by 2015, my administration shall  accelerate the positive challenges that these mega industrial activities will offer. If not fully completed, I shall see to it that these valuable economic activities are duly completed, and engage the private sector effectively to drive commerce and grow industries. The state under my leadership will work closely with relevant agencies of the Federal Government in commerce and industry.