The Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prince Eze Madumere, has applauded Governor Rochas Okorocha for a well thought out policy thrust with a view to increasing food security and living standard of the people.
Prince Madumere’s support was contained in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Uche Onwuchekwa.
The number two citizen, according to the statement, decried the danger the present situation of sole dependence on crude oil presents for the good people of Imo State and Nigeria at large.
He also decried the lack of food sufficiency in the State and the South East in general, regretting that 80 per cent dependence of the States on imported food from other States of the Federation or foreign staple food, thereby causing capital flight and natural devaluation of Naira.
Madumere called on Imo State civil servants that rather than vilify Governor Okorocha, they should appreciate him as a man of vision, especially with incentives of agricultural loans and other policies geared towards encouraging agriculture still without a salary cut.
He warned that issues that border on development should not be subject of politicking and negative propaganda, but should be guided to safe delivery.
He urged Imo State civil servants to be patriotic enough to join hands to build Imo State of collective their dream.
He therefore called on the traditional rulers to drive home the importance of back-to-farm policy and ensure that people are mobilized towards achieving a diversified Imo State economy, especially in those areas they have a comparative advantage.
Madumere added that most of the produce are exportable if properly packaged, this he said Imo State government is ready to partner with the people and private sector to ensure that it is achieved.
He reminded them of the need to be prepared to take advantage of the ongoing upgrade of Sam Mbakwe Airport to an International Cargo Airport.
Madumere assured them of Owelle Okorocha’s readiness to ensure that farming is made attractive and profitable.
He said most of the countries in Europe rely majorly on agribusiness to ensure food security and wondered why yet to be developed States like Imo, blessed with fertile soil, should not consider agriculture a priority.
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