Gov Ortom set pace for peace and good security in Benue State – Adikwu Samuel Ebo

I heartily care to acknowledge and commend the relentless efforts of our principled and visionary governor,

Dr Samuel Ortom for his remarkable achievements in the state so far and for vigorous pursuit in making sure Benue state slogan which is’food basket of the Nation’ is fully translated into reality by utilizing arable land, formulating succinct agricultural policies and harnessing their potentials.

Agricultural sectors remain the bedrock of development of the nation inspite of the superiority of the Oil sector in it’s contribution to the economy.

The profession is quite noble, though could be easily stigmatized by many but the yields are patronized in one way or the other by all and sundry.

Agricultural dividends is well enjoyed by humans from all spheres of life and utilized for industrial purposes.

Nigeria, though blessed with abundant arable land and a population which is primarily agrarian still lags behind in it’s ability to grow enough food to meet the needs of it’s expanding population, so the largest country in Africa with all her potentials is being threaten with serious food crisis as the citizens could not afford basic staple food on their dinning tables.

These have resulted into widespread of menaces and infested crime society.

You would agree with me that most of the social debris and other heinous crimes perpetuated in our society is because of hunger, starvation and penury.

So many persons could engage in one form of societal malady or unwholesome vices just to have food on their tables ,a scenario which was angrily displayed recently by the youths during the recent EndSARS protest through scavenging of warehouses which stored the palliatives meant for the masses and wanton destruction of properties.

Gov.Ortom,an empathic leader with good conscience in his magnanimity was able to equitably distribute the palliatives at his disposal and present several means to cushion the devastating effects of the pandemic because he places peace, equity and fairness on his front burner.

These unparralled comitments to well being of citizens was able to curtail further destruction of lives and properties in the state by protesters, restored sanctities and set his track records of excellence and pedigree on higher pedestal.

The unmatched proactive steps of the governor was quite impressive and applauded by illustrious sons and daughters of the state from all works of life.

Food crisis, poverty, corruption and other unscrupulous activities co-existed in the same tent and should be handled with care,so improving the productivity in agriculture is Central to addressing food security, poverty, unemployment and attaining social and economic development.

The passive state of agriculture today or the inability of the country to feed her growing population are mostly due to lack of substantial resources (human and materials) channel effectively to agricultural sectors.

It could also be as a result of basic training skills and knowledge of improved production on the parts of peasants which constitute more than 80% of crop production.

The deplorable state of rural areas which lack basic amenities like portable water, comprehensive primary health care system and inaccessible roads also makes crop production in the rural areas highly unattractive and in exiguous state.

The youths who are supposed to be involved in active food production are into riding of ‘ okada’ and doing other menial jobs leaving agricultural production in the hands of the aged people whose strength cannot produce sustainable food for economic transformation.

The more worrisome is the pervassive actions and incessant clashes between crop farmers and Fulani herdsmen.

This insecurity as a result of herdsmen dastardly act have pushed the ordeal of crop farmers to the climax and compounded food crisis globally.

Other factors affecting food security includes,storage facilities, inefficient post harvest management,crude implements used for tillage,ineffective extension services, professional stigmatization, unperturbed attitude of political leaders and untimely implementation of agriculture policies have all contributed in no small measures to the.moribund situation and tragic news in the sector.

Over the years, several juicy and laudable policy like Operation feed the Nation (OFN), Green Revolution was formulated to boost agricultural production.

But in spite of all efforts channel towards the effectiveness and sustainability of these policies to have immensely impact on the economy, the program still went down the drain.

My assumption could be traced to the fact that oil sectors was the ladder on which the government at all levels used to climb and meet up most of her economic goals.

Then it was the hay days of oil boom.

Now,it’s the dawn of new era,oil boom is doomed and the country is facing economic recession ,so it’s no longer a debatable issues that there is an urgent needs of other sources of revenue to cushion the effects of oil deficit, which is agriculture and solid minerals exploration.

It’s in view of this economic predicament that Gov.Ortom,a fearless strategist, steadfast in policy formulation and determined at all times to achieve meaningful results for his citizens, that he set a conducive atmosphere for food security in the state.

He is a winsome and courageous leader who never subjugate to intimidations from any quarter if it has to do with the rights and welfare of his people.

He is so mindful of the facts that nothing thrives well in a precarious environment except hardship, devastation and squalor.

In line with this, when his people were brutally murdered,he never sat on the doldrum fence,he wailed and shouted loudly for Justice to both National and international communities to make sure the mayhem was halted,so that his people can go back to farm and continue with their normal businesses.

To further curtail the incessant clashes,he legally restricted open grazing system and introduced ranching as the modern ways of cattle rearing, irrespective of vituperation from his contemporaries and the high and mighty in the country.

When the issue of polemic Rural grazing (RUGA) , which was a hidden agenda meant to create a special dorminiaring tendencies for a certain ethic groups,he stood aloof and nib the cancerworm to the bud, until the agenda was unveiled, jettisoned and thrown out.

He is well prepared always to sacrifice his energy and resources to make sure his people are adequately protected.

This firm and unwavering attitude of Dr Ortom earned him the prestigious name’ the defender of Benue valley’.

When he saw that the insecurity threat to life of his people was subtly address,he encouraged the civil servant by relinquishing Fridays to them to go to their farms in order to boost food production.

Also,to enhance food security in the state,Gov.Ortom subsidized all brands of fertilizers to the farmers at 40%,a gesture that was quite commendable.

Gov.Ortom also makes accessible intervention funds to boost the farmers lean capital.

In consonance with principles of value chain,Gov.Ortom joined hands with International funds for Agricultural development (IFAD) in paying counterpart funds promptly to enable the program have a soft landing in the state.

The Rural access and Agricultural marketing projects-3(RAAMP3) in the state enhance the development and rehabilitation of rural roads across the state to ease farm produce to the market.

The uncommon Agric reformer governor is willing to offer land and resources to potential investors in the state.

That apart,Gov.Ortom is extensively involved in construction of urban and rural roads across the state for easy movement of goods and services and making sure food is available and accessible to all and sundry in the state.

He has also set adequate machineries for food processing, packaging , distribution and other forms of post harvest management to meet dietary needs.

The Midas touch governor,Dr Samuel Ortom,an anthropocentric leader and a consummate team player believes in harmonious relationship with all irrespective of political or religious affiliation and an egalitarian society where people will go about their legitimate businesses without fear of intimidation or molestation from any segment.