The Director-General, National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), Chief Chukwuemeka Woke, has disbursed N150 million to 300, in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers.
Chief Woke told newsmen in Isiodu, Emohua, on Monday that the gesture was in support of the Back-to-Farm initiative of the president’s wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
He said that the grant would not only boost food security but would empower small-scale farmers in the 14 wards of the local government area.
The NOSDRA chief said that the grant would enable small holder farmers to contribute towards massive food production in 2025.
”The grant will enable our local farmers to procure inputs, pay for land lease, and cater for other needs ahead of the planting season.
”The aim of this support is to enhance crop yield in the 2025 harvest, especially cassava, this will reflect in the cost and availability of food in the state,” he said.
Mr Chukwuemeka Aaron, factional Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Rivers, commended the Federal Government for the initiative.
Represented by the secretary, Mr Benibo George, Aaron said that the gesture would boost local food production in the area.
He urged the beneficiaries to put the grant to judicious use in the interest of food security.
Also speaking at the event, Mr Tony Okocha, factional Chairman, All Progressives Congress, Rivers, described the grant as a good omen.
Okocha said that agriculture was critical to the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Tinubu-led government.
He urged thr beneficiaries to take advantage of the opportunity to contribute to the food security initiative of the Federal Government.
Some of the beneficiaries commended the NOSDRA D-G for the gesture, and described it as well-intended.
One of them, Uchechukwu Otuonu described the grant as a rare privilege to famers in the area.
