NDDC to boost agric sector investment

THE Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chris Oboh, has said that the agency will revive agriculture to make it a major economic activity in the Niger Delta region.Oboh made the pledge on Thursday at a ceremony to mark the return of 11 trainees from India, who received specialised trainings on mechanised farming and repair of farm equipment.'We are focused on diversifying our local economy in a manner that will ensure non-dependence on oil,' Oboh said.Hesaid the commission would vigorously pursue programmes that would boost agriculture to make it rival the oil sector as a major economic earner in the region.Oboh urged the beneficiaries of the trainings to use their skills and knowledge to further contribute to the development of agriculture in the region.The spokesman for the beneficiaries, Ene-Ita Okpo, said the trainings exposed them to best practices in mechanised farming and promised that they would use their knowledge to improve agriculture in the region.Meanwhile, Oboh inaugurated a solar energy shop to boost electricity and help youths to acquire skills in the production of solar energy panels.The solar energy shop, which is an initiative that encourages interest in renewable energy, has offered more than 150 youths opportunity to train in the programme, he said.Oboh said the commission hadalsoevolved a new programme that wouldensure that youths were given the necessary tools to work after their training.'After training, we will henceforth provide the requisite tools that will engage our youths,'he said.
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