News in brief:
– Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has vowed to revive the long-neglected Songhai Integrated Farms as a key driver of agriculture, jobs, and food security.
– His pledge comes amid a state of emergency and political crisis that continues to disrupt governance and threaten the state’s aquaculture sector.
Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has pledged to revive the state-owned Songhai Integrated Farms in Tai Local Government Area, describing the project as a critical engine for sustainable agriculture, job creation, and food security.
The commitment follows a comprehensive inspection tour of key state facilities on Saturday. Addressing stakeholders, Ibas decried the decay of vital infrastructure, including Songhai Farms, once touted as a model for integrated agriculture in Nigeria.
“What we have seen today is not just neglect—it is a loss for our economy, our food security, and our future generations,” he said. He emphasised the urgency of restoring the facility through partnerships, improved management, and community involvement.
This pledge comes amid a state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu in March 2025, due to a prolonged political crisis in Rivers State. The federal government suspended the Governor, Deputy Governor, and the House of Assembly, and appointed Ibas to restore order.
While the judiciary remains functional, the crisis has disrupted governance and threatened sectors like aquaculture, a major contributor to the state’s economy. Experts warned that insecurity and movement restrictions could cripple fish farming, cold storage, and export operations.
Interestingly, Governor Siminalayi Fubara had made a similar promise in October 2023, identifying Songhai Farms as a springboard to revolutionise agriculture and diversify the economy. He expressed optimism about the farm’s potential during an inspection visit, vowing government support to restore its capacity.
With renewed federal focus and Ibas’ promise to convene stakeholder meetings, Rivers State may yet reclaim Songhai Farms’ role in driving food production, youth employment, and economic resilience—if stability can be assured.
