-From MICHAEL J. EKOKORUWE:

A United Nations innovator for Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), Rev. (Dr.) Amos Obi, has called on the state / federal government and individuals to encourage the youths to go into farming and engage orientation of non – violent approach towards self reliance Agribusiness in the Niger Delta.

Obi made the hint when 1,000 bundles of TME 419 variety of cassava cuttings were bought and distributed to Farmers of Idheze community, Isoko South local government area, by the Elites of the area, to cushion the effects of the 2022 flood that washed away their farms.

He stated that youths can cultivate TME – 419 improved cassava cuttings in the Niger Delta and become millionaires, maintaining that youths from the Western part of Nigeria are self employed in cassava farming, making money and training themselves.

Rev. Obi enjoined the youths to change from violent attitude of gangstarism on the roads as it may discourage investors from investing in the Niger Delta, and called on the state and federal government to engage the youths in profitable farming enterprises.

The UN innovator also called on the United Nations to partner with Idheze community to reduce poverty, hunger and unemployment, noting that the issues of climate change can be resolved with green revolution towards ensuring peaceful and sustainable livelihood for the Niger Deltans.

Obi maintained that the TME – 419 cassava variety is early maturing and serves as quick recovering mechanism for food and income for the people of Idheze community, adding that the efforts of Elites from the area will complement post flooding intervention.

In a similar development, a committee member of Idheze Elites forum, Mrs. Ichika Theresa, expressed satisfaction for the 1,000 bundles of the cassava cuttings bought and distributed to the people of Idheze community, noting that the money came from various branches contributions across the globe.

She stated that, the committee members had earlier distributed relief materials to flood ravaged people of Idheze community and now resolved to purchase the cassava cuttings as post flood intervention due to farms that were washed away by the flood.

The palliative chairman, Rev. Ejeta Festus, the community acting chairman,, Mr. Lucky Ogodo and the woman leader, Mrs. Felicia Ofuafo, assured of amicable distribution of the cassava cuttings to the two quarters of the community, using the existing sharing methods and commended the donors for cassava cuttings.

They prayed God to bless members of Idheze Elites that cuts across the globe, for the palliatives before and after the 2022 flood.