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Boroh reiterates Federal government’s commitment to agric-based economy

By Julius Osahon, Yenagoa
20 August 2016   |   2:14 am
The Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs and Coordinator, Presidential Amnesty Programme, Brig. Gen. Paul Boroh, (rtd) has reiterated Federal government’s commitment to making Nigeria...
Gen Paul Boroh

Gen Paul Boroh

The Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs and Coordinator, Presidential Amnesty Programme, Brig. Gen. Paul Boroh, (rtd) has reiterated Federal government’s commitment to making Nigeria self-reliant through agricultural revolution instead of the over dependence on oil.

Boroh said over independence on oil, which is flowing in the Niger Delta has led to a mono-economy, destruction of the ecosystem, poverty, starvation and conflicts as evidenced by the current agitation by militant groups in the region.

Speaking after inspecting facilities at the Bio Resources Development Centre, Odi, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of the Bayelsa State, Boroh stated that 500 ex-militant youths from the Niger Delta are to be trained in various agro-based related skills as a means of engaging the youths in agricultural sector.

While warning that the amnesty office has changed focus and no longer a place to share free money, he urged the youths to embrace the change and join hands with government to make Niger Delta the agricultural hub of the nation.

According to the Amnesty coordinator, some of the ex-militants would be sent to Songhai Farms in Delta state, while others would be sent to various departments of agriculture in Delta State University (DELSU), University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST) and the Peremabiri Rice Farms in Bayelsa state.

Boroh stressed that the President Muhammadu Buhari led administration resolved to diversify the economy from oil and gas dependence, to agriculture.

He said: “President Buhari has embarked on drastic diversification of the economy from oil and gas dependence, and agriculture provides the nation the opportunity for growth, investment, wealth and job creation.”

To successfully address the imperative of diversification, promotion of peace and development in the Niger Delta and achieve Mr. President’s agenda on peace and development, Boroh said government is collaborating with various institutions within and outside the country to train youths in diverse agriculture related fields.

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