By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr
Chief Kome Okpobor, a prominent stakeholder in Isoko Nation, Delta State, has applauded the Positive Impact for Women and Youth Development Initiative (PIWYODI) for its commitment to agricultural development and empowerment in the state.
Okpobor, who is also the Director of Administration and Finance at the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), gave the commendation when he received a delegation from the NGO in Warri on Monday.
He described PIWYODI’s initiative, particularly in rice cultivation, as timely and impactful, noting that soil tests have already confirmed Delta State’s suitability for large-scale rice production.
“As a passionate advocate for youth and women empowerment, I deeply appreciate your vision and assure you of my support,” he said. “I also encourage you to engage leaders such as Hon. Prince Godwin Ogorugba, Dr. Joseph Onojaime, and Hon. Jonathan Ukodhiko, who can further strengthen your mission.”
Okpobor emphasized that such collaborations hold great promise for food security, job creation, and sustainable development in Delta State.
Earlier, the National Coordinator of PIWYODI, Mrs. Martha Onadeko, explained that the organization, established three years ago, is dedicated to empowering women and youth through agro-allied ventures, education, health awareness, and climate action, with current focus on rice cultivation across all local government areas of the state.
She noted that rice farming, when fully harnessed, offers limitless opportunities for Delta and Nigeria as a whole.
On her part, the State Coordinator of PIWYODI, Hon. Mary Samuel, disclosed that the NGO had already cultivated over 20 hectares of rice in Delta State, which is due for harvest. She, however, pointed out challenges in accessing key equipment such as harvesters, threshers, and vehicles.
She expressed gratitude to Chief Okpobor for aligning with the group’s vision and pledged PIWYODI’s determination to continue driving agricultural development in the state.