Abuja, Nigeria – Nigeria’s Vice President, His Excellency Kashim Shettima, GCON, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to transforming the agricultural sector in the Niger Delta, describing agriculture as a critical pillar for economic diversification, food security, and sustainable national development.
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The Vice President gave the assurance while attending the Niger Delta Agricultural Summit held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where he was received by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku.
Speaking at the summit, Dr. Ogbuku expressed appreciation to the Vice President for honouring the event with his presence, noting that his attendance reflected the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, particularly in the areas of agricultural transformation and economic diversification.
“It was a great honour to welcome His Excellency, Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON, to the Niger Delta Agricultural Summit. His presence and inspiring remarks underscored the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to transforming the agricultural sector and advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” Ogbuku stated.
The NDDC boss commended the Vice President for his consistent support for programmes designed to unlock the vast agricultural and economic potential of the Niger Delta region.
“I deeply appreciate the Vice President for his steadfast support for initiatives that will unlock the vast economic potential of the Niger Delta. His passion for agricultural development, food security and inclusive economic growth continues to inspire confidence in our collective resolve to build a more prosperous Nigeria,” he said.
Dr. Ogbuku stressed that the future of the Niger Delta must extend beyond crude oil production, urging stakeholders to harness the region’s abundant agricultural resources to drive sustainable development.
According to him, the region possesses fertile land capable of supporting large-scale agricultural production, creating employment opportunities for young people, attracting investments, strengthening food security, and improving livelihoods across the nine mandate states of the NDDC.
“The future of the Niger Delta extends beyond oil. It lies in unlocking the immense agricultural potential of our region to create jobs, guarantee food security, attract investments and build sustainable prosperity for our people,” he declared.
Reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to President Tinubu’s economic agenda, the NDDC Managing Director said the Board and Management remain focused on implementing programmes that promote inclusive growth and long-term prosperity.
He noted that agricultural transformation must be supported by robust infrastructure capable of connecting farming communities to markets and stimulating rural economic activities.
Highlighting one of the Commission’s flagship infrastructure projects, Dr. Ogbuku announced that the 1.2-kilometre Kaa-Ataba Bridge, linking Khana and Andoni Local Government Areas of Rivers State, is nearing completion.
He explained that the strategic bridge would significantly improve transportation, facilitate trade, strengthen agricultural value chains, and enhance socio-economic activities within the affected communities.
“Agricultural development cannot thrive without the right infrastructure. This is why the NDDC remains steadfast in delivering critical projects that improve connectivity and open up rural communities for economic activities. The Commission is on the verge of completing the 1.2-kilometre Kaa-Ataba Bridge linking Khana and Andoni Local Government Areas of Rivers State,” he said.
Dr. Ogbuku concluded by reaffirming the Commission’s determination to partner with all stakeholders in building a diversified and prosperous Niger Delta where agriculture becomes a major driver of economic growth.
“Together, we will continue to build a Niger Delta where infrastructure drives development, agriculture fuels prosperity, and every community shares in the dividends of sustainable progress,” he added.
The Niger Delta Agricultural Summit brought together government officials, policymakers, development partners, agricultural experts, private sector stakeholders, and investors to explore practical strategies for repositioning agriculture as a major engine of economic transformation across the Niger Delta region.
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