Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has directed the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources to ensure increased production of made-in-Bayelsa rice by the end of 2026.
Speaking on Tuesday at the state-owned rice farm in Otuasega community, Ogbia Local Government Area, during the flag-off of the 2025/2026 dry farming season, Governor Diri expressed dissatisfaction with the rice harvest during the last farming season. He said that despite government support to the ministry and farmers, the state still procured rice from outside during the Yuletide.
The governor tasked the Agriculture Commissioner to strengthen efforts toward food security, noting that Bayelsa had natural advantages in several crop areas and fertile soil capable of producing organic crops without fertiliser.
He commended the ministry and stakeholders for organising the event, but urged that it should not become a mere yearly ritual, stressing that agriculture must positively impact the lives of Bayelsans. According to him, agriculture remained a key source of economic diversification and the state government had continued to invest heavily in the sector.
Governor Diri encouraged civil servants and residents to participate in farming, noting that the administration’s investments in road and bridge infrastructure were directly linked to agriculture as they enable rural farmers to move produce to markets more efficiently.
In furtherance of government’s support to the sector, the governor announced the approval of a monthly N200 million grant for farmers in the state. He also approved a meeting with farmers and the provision of seedlings, herbicides and pesticides to boost production.
On the issue of herders destroying farmlands, Governor Diri warned traditional rulers against allocating land in forests to herdsmen, stating that anyone found culpable would be sanctioned. He reminded residents that the state’s anti-grazing law remained in force and urged them to report cases to security agencies rather than social media.
He said: “Let it not be that we come here for a yearly ritual. This is something that affects us as a people and so we must all take it seriously. Food security will continue to be a top priority of my administration. Agriculture strengthens our economy. The roads and bridges support agriculture by connecting communities.
“All our workers must participate in agriculture. Now let our neighbours come and buy from us. It is a call to action. My directive to the Commissioner for Agriculture is that by the end of 2026, we should expect 300,000 kilogrammes of rice. I do not want to continue to buy rice from outside Bayelsa State for our people. Produce, and government will buy from you.
“On the issue of herdsmen, they do not live in our farms. What is correct is that they move and destroy crops. Our anti-grazing law is still in force. Contact security agencies in cases of herdsmen destruction rather than going to social media. Let me warn our traditional rulers who give herdsmen land in our forests that anyone caught will be sanctioned.”
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Prof. Beke Sese, affirmed the state government’s commitment to food security and commended the governor for his investment in the sector, which he said had driven significant progress.
Representatives of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (Bayelsa chapter), Nigerian Women in Agriculture Business, the Nigeria Agricultural Insurance Corporation, the Central Bank of Nigeria and other stakeholders also hailed the governor’s support to farmers, noting that it had greatly improved agricultural activities in the state.
Dignitaries present at the ceremony included the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere (represented by the Leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Monday Edwin Bubou Obolo), other members of the State Assembly, Secretary to the State Government Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, members of the State Executive Council, Chief of Staff Dr. Peter Akpe, and Deputy Chief of Staff (Government House) Mr. Irorodamie Komonibo.
Others in attendance were Deputy Chief of Staff (Deputy Governor’s Office) Comrade Gowon Toruyouyei, Head of Service Dr. Wisdom Ebiye Sawyer, Caretaker Committee Chairman of the APC Barr. Dennis Otiotio, service commanders, paramount rulers and other top government officials.
On the same day, Governor Diri also inspected several ongoing projects across Bayelsa State to assess their level of progress. Projects visited included the nine-storey secretariat building, Road One of the New Yenagoa/LNG Road, and the 30,000-seater stadium.
