Delta Government has said that its recent investment tour to Brazil is expected to yield significant benefits in food security, job creation, and enhanced security.
The State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, spoke on “Morning Express”, an ADBN Television programme on Saturday.
Mr. Aniagwu said that the state government’s strategic partnership with Brazil would complement its infrastructure investments and drive agricultural development.
The commissioner explained that the state had already invested heavily in infrastructure to open up rural communities and create an enabling environment for investment.
According to him, “The Brazil mission, led by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, was a strategic step to complement those infrastructural gains with agricultural and industrial partnerships.
“Every local government in Delta has not less than N2 billion annually in the budget for rural roads, aside from over N200 billion that goes into inter-local government roads.
”These investments have opened up our communities, and what we sought in Brazil was how to add value to that by attracting investors in agriculture especially ranching,” he said.
Aniagwu also noted that the visit was inspired by Brazil’s global reputation in agriculture and livestock management.
His words: “Large-scale farming will clear many of the thick bushes that have become hideouts for kidnappers.
”Once those areas are cultivated, we will not only improve food production but also deny criminals the cover they exploit.
”At the same time, it will create thousands of jobs directly on the farms and indirectly through equipment handling and knowledge transfer,” Aniagwu explained.
The commissioner noted that Governor Oborevwori was particularly focused on using agriculture to achieve two goals: ensuring food security and reducing insecurity caused by underutilised forests.
”Large-scale farming will clear many of the thick bushes that have become hideouts for kidnappers.
”Once those areas are cultivated, the state will not only improve food production but also deny criminals the cover they exploit, ” he added.
The commissioner highlighted the importance of modern ranching as a solution to perennial farmer-herder conflicts.
”By adopting Brazil’s ranching model, the state will reduce the nomadic nature of animal husbandry.
”That way, herders will no longer invade farmlands and clash with crop farmers. It is a win-win for food security, peace, and economic growth,” he said.
Aniagwu also disclosed that discussion in Brazil also focused on energy, livestock breeding, and mechanised farming, with both federal and state government officials exploring bilateral agreements that would ease trade.
Beyond agriculture, Aniagwu emphasised cultural and climatic similarities between Brazil and Nigeria, which made agricultural collaboration feasible and sustainable.
”Brazil, like Nigeria, lies in the tropics. Crops that thrive there are almost certain to do well here.
”Even diets are similar, from cassava-based meals to soups and stews.
”This gives a natural advantage in transferring agricultural models between both countries, ” he added.
Aniagwu revealed that Delta was already considering land acquisition mechanisms to support large-scale farming requests from investors and cooperatives.
”Some local farmers have approached the government seeking between 20 to 30 hectares of land.
”With the right framework, these farms will spring up, create jobs, and boost the economy, ” said.
The commissioner stressed that Governor Oborevwori was determined to ensure the Brazil tour yields tangible results.
He said,”the governor has made it clear he doesn’t want the government to just travel, talk, and come back with nothing.
”He is driving this process personally, and with the level of engagement in Brazil, it is assured that this vehicle will get to its destination.”
The partnership is expected to position Delta as a hub for agribusiness, strengthen bilateral ties with Brazil, and ultimately improve the standard of living of the people.
