In a bold move to promote food security and align with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda, the Delta State Government has inaugurated a five-man committee to oversee the implementation of Homestead and Neighborhood Farming among civil servants across the state.
The initiative, aimed at encouraging public workers to embrace agriculture for both subsistence and commercial purposes, was unveiled by the Delta State Head of Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Mininim Oseji, during the official inauguration of the Civil Service Agricultural Project Committee in Asaba.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Oseji emphasized the importance of empowering civil servants to become active participants in agricultural development, which she described as a critical step towards food sufficiency, economic resilience, and rural empowerment.
“It is necessary to constitute this committee to guide and encourage civil servants to actively participate in agriculture,” she said. “This is in line with the agricultural component of Governor Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda, which prioritizes economic diversification and sustainable livelihoods.”
Dr. Oseji tasked the committee with developing a comprehensive Action Plan that will drive the seamless implementation of the agricultural project. She also urged members to engage relevant stakeholders and development partners to mobilize resources, technical expertise, and other support necessary for success.
Committee Members and Mandate
The committee, chaired by Mr. Maxwell Ause, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Head of Service, includes:
- Mr. Kingsley Olumukoro – Functioning Permanent Secretary, Directorate of Establishment and Pensions
- Mrs. Obianuju Osadebe – Functioning Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture
- Hon. Paul Opue – Industrial Agriculturist and Chief Facilitator
- Mr. Michael Okocha – Director of Training, Directorate of Establishment and Pensions (Secretary)
Their Terms of Reference include:
- Project Development
- Project Implementation
- Identification of Challenges and Solutions
- Collaboration with Stakeholders
- Reporting and Evaluation
Private Sector Partnership in View
In a related development, Miss Eloimoboere Eniyekpemi, CEO of Afri-Tropic and Agro-Allied Services Ltd, expressed her company’s readiness to support the project through strategic partnership.
She assured the Head of Service that her firm would provide training, mentorship, and essential inputs such as seeds and fertilizers to ensure a smooth take-off of the farming program.
“We are committed to collaborating with the Office of the Head of Service to deliver in-house training on Homestead Farming and Greenhouse projects,” Miss Eniyekpemi stated. “Our goal is to support civil servants in becoming productive agriculturists, which will in turn benefit the people, the economy, and the environment.”
The launch of the Civil Service Agricultural Project marks a significant step toward reinvigorating grassroots agriculture and positioning Delta State as a model for sustainable, civil service-led agro-economic growth.