Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has charged the newly inaugurated taskforce on the Songhai farm project to demonstrate capacity and fulfill the people’s desire for food sufficiency through the state’s significant agricultural investments.
Speaking at the inauguration of the taskforce at Government House, Port Harcourt, on Wednesday, Fubara said previous efforts to revamp the Songhai Project were halted due to the excessive demands of an investor, who required a five-billion-naira bank guarantee.
The governor specifically urged the two companies involved in the revitalization to showcase both technical knowledge and ability, warning against failure at critical moments.
“The Songhai farm issue has been discussed for a long time. We even considered an investor who presented his plan, and we believed he had the capacity. However, when he requested a five-billion-naira bank guarantee, we canceled the arrangement, as we could invest the funds ourselves,” Fubara said.
Fubara expressed confidence in the taskforce chairman, Mr. Biedima Oliver, a member of the original team involved with the Songhai Project under the Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency. He urged Oliver to use his experience to guide the revitalization process, assuring the taskforce of government support.
“I have no doubt in your ability. You have a track record of turning things to gold. Please revive the life we once saw in Songhai, with your committee’s help. We’ll offer all necessary support, but ensure that our people’s demands for a revived Songhai are met within this administration’s lifetime,” he added.
Fubara further emphasized the importance of making Songhai operational, not just for Tai people but for all of Rivers State and Nigeria.
The Chairman of the Special Taskforce, Mr. Biedima Oliver, thanked Governor Fubara for his confidence in the taskforce and assured that they would work hard to successfully complete the project.
The five-member taskforce includes Mr. Biedima Oliver (Chairman), Engr. Victor Kii, Mr. Frank Fubara, Dr. Ayebaesin J. Beredugo, and Mr. Maurice Ogolo.
