Ebonyi Govt Approves N744m For Farmers
By Joyce Onuora, Abakaliki
Hon. Ikechukwu Nwobo has said that the Ebonyi State Government has
approved the sum of N744 million for distribution to farmers in the
State.
Nwobo disclosed this at the Government House, Abakaliki, during a
joint media briefing on the outcome of the State Executive Council
Meeting. He Noted that the approval was to enable the farmers defray the cost of land
preparation.
He also disclosed that another sum of N500 million was approved for
buying of rice paddy by the Government in preparation for the
forthcoming farming season, while the sums of N46 million and N10
million were approved for purchase of fertilizers and
additional rice seeds respectively for the farmers in the State.
“The amount approved for the purchase of paddy rice was meant for the
buy- back policy of government meant to encourage farmers to engage in
profitable, massive production of rice.
“You know, this approval is very important to facilitate the value
chain of the programme we are doing, we must have to buy back the rice
we have been investing in because through the buying back of the rice, farmers would be able to make profits from their investment in the previous years.
“It will be made and packaged under the Ebonyi Rice to enable us
distribute it to the appropriate quarters.” Nwobo said.
Briefing under his ministry, The Commissioner for Education, Rt. Hon.
Sabinus Nwankwagu, disclosed the approval of the handover of the Urban
Central School, Abakaliki to its original owner, All Saint Anglican
Church.
Nwankwagu added that council directed his ministry to liaise with the
appropriate authorities to facilitate the handover of another school
at Owutu-Edda in Afikpo South Local Government Area to the Catholic
Mission as requested.
“The move by the Government was to further guarantee qualitative
education for Ebonyi State children.” he said.
On Security, the Senior Special Adviser to Governor Umahi on Internal
Security, Kenneth Ugbala, said the Executive Council approved a
two-day intensive training for members of the State Neighbourhood
Security Watch. The training, which, according to Ugbala, would be held
on August 4 at the Pa Ngele Oruta township stadium, has been designed
to properly equip both old and additional members with the requisite
security tips towards enhancing their performance.