Show Capacity, Ensure Food Sufficiency, Gov. Fubara Charges Taskforce on Songhai Project

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has charged the newly inaugurated task force on revitalization of Songhai farm project to show capacity and meet up the yearnings of the people on food sufficiency through the huge agricultural investment in the State.

Governor Fubara gave the charge while inaugurating the task force in Government House, Port Harcourt on Wednesday, and stated that earlier decisions to commence the revamping of the Songhai Project was halted because of the excessive conditions of the potential investor who demanded five billion naira bank guarantee.

The governor particular tasked the two new companies that will be involved in the revitalization to show capacity in terms of ability and technical knowledge on such projects and not disappoint at the most critical moment.

“The issue of Songhai farm has been in the news for a very long time. As a matter of fact, if a few of you could remember we even conceded the place to an investor who came in after his presentation and we believed that he has the capacity, we said okay, we signed off. But something happened, he came back to tell us that he wanted us to give him a N5 billion Bank guarantee. We asked him if we had a N5 billion why do we need you to come and revitalize the farm, we will put our N5 billion there and for that reason we cancelled that arrangement.”

He expressed confidence on the chairman of the task force, Mr. Biedima Oliver who was part of the pioneer team of the Songhai Project, under the Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency, and charged him to bring back his wealth of experience to bear in the revitalization process, while assuring the necessary support to the team to succeed.”

“I don’t have any doubt in your capacity. A few things you touched, you turned it to gold, please bring back that life that we used to see in Songhai with the help of your Committee. We will be here to give you all the necessary support but make sure that what our people are yearning for, bring back Songhai, we want to see it happen within the lifetime of this administration.”

“Do everything within your power and with our support to make sure that Songhai becomes operational to the benefit of not just the people of Tai but the entire Rivers State and Nigeria.”

The Chairman of the Special Taskforce on the Revitalization of Songhai Farm, Bunu, Tai, Mr. Biedima Oliver thanked the Governor for having confidence in the capabilities of members of the task force to carry out the assignment of revitalizing the Songhai and assured that they will work hard to deliver the project.

The 5-member special taskforce include Mr. Biedima Oliver, as Chairman, Engr. Victor Kii, Mr. Frank Fubara, Dr. Ayebaesin J. Beredugo, and Mr. Maurice Ogolo, as members.