The Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Agriculture, Mercy Dagogo Iboroma, has charged directors, heads of departments, and staff of the ministry to refocus on results-driven service delivery to advance food security, job creation, and economic growth in the state.
She gave the charge during her inaugural meeting with staff at the Rivers State Veterinary Hospital and Diagnostic Laboratory, Rumodumaya, Port Harcourt.
Addressing the management and staff, she expressed appreciation to the State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, for the confidence reposed in her through her appointment.
She described the ministry’s workforce as the “engine room” of agricultural development in the state.
“Without your work, there can be no food security, no jobs, and no meaningful progress for our people”, she said.
The Permanent Secretary stressed the need for a proactive and committed workforce capable of transforming the agricultural sector to meet the food needs of Rivers people while creating employment and wealth.
She noted that farmers and young people across the state look up to the ministry for leadership and support, and urged staff to embrace teamwork and renewed dedication.
“Every hand must be on deck as we reset and refocus for effective service delivery. We must do things better. Rather than scatter our efforts, we should concentrate our energy on key areas.
“Within the next two to three months, we must focus on aquaculture and cassava production to deliver measurable results”, she said.
Highlighting the importance of evidence-based planning, Iboroma directed all heads of departments to submit a one-page brief outlining ongoing projects, key challenges, and three priority areas requiring immediate attention.
Setting August 6, 2026, as the deadline for submission, she stated her commitment to transparency and effective service delivery, assuring staff of an open-door policy where constructive ideas and genuine concerns would always be welcomed, while emphasizing that excuses would not be tolerated.
She also pledged to recognize and reward diligence and outstanding performance.
Acknowledging existing challenges, including inadequate funding and logistics, the Permanent Secretary expressed optimism that the ministry was entering a new phase of productivity and innovation.
“I welcome suggestions on how to reposition the ministry, restore abandoned initiatives, and make the Ministry of Agriculture the most trusted and productive ministry in the state”, she said.
Responding on behalf of the staff, the Director of Livestock and Veterinary Services, Dr. Godswill Ukaikpoko, welcomed the Permanent Secretary and emphasized the need for data-driven and evidence-based decision-making to improve agricultural planning and service delivery.
He advocated for the registration of farmers across the state and the verification of existing farms to establish reliable data for effective policy implementation.
Dr. Ukaikpoko also noted that, as a member of the One Health Team, the Permanent Secretary would play a strategic role in strengthening collaboration among the Ministries of Agriculture, Health, and Environment in responding to public health emergencies.
He stressed the importance of food safety and appealed to the Permanent Secretary to follow up on pending memoranda awaiting the Governor’s approval.
“Please find out the status of those memos so we can move the process forward and deliver results that will benefit the people of Rivers State”, he said.
Also speaking, the Director of Agriculture, Sunday Agada, called for stronger collaboration with the Ministries of Health, Environment, and Education, particularly on initiatives aimed at controlling mosquito breeding through the elimination of larvae.
He also briefed the Permanent Secretary on policies being developed to strengthen the state’s agricultural value chain, with emphasis on oil palm, rice, and cassava production.
On his part, the Head of Fisheries Department, Fi-ibite Adokiye, underscored the need to compile comprehensive data on fish farmers, artisans, and craftsmen for submission to the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and relevant United Nations agencies.
He urged the Permanent Secretary to prioritize aquaculture development, particularly hatcheries, as well as opportunities within the blue economy.
Similarly, the Head of Engineering Department, Engr. Christopher Didia, lamented that tractors in the ministry’s fleet had yet to be commissioned despite numerous requests from companies and individuals seeking to utilize the equipment.
He appealed for the Permanent Secretary’s intervention and assured her of the department’s full cooperation.
In her remarks, the Director of Fisheries, Tomma Oruye, pledged the support of the department in addressing the challenges identified and working collectively to achieve the ministry’s goals.
The meeting concluded with a guided tour of the ministry’s offices and veterinary facilities, led by Dr. Ukaikpoko, to familiarize the Permanent Secretary with the operational environment and available infrastructure.
- Anumaka is the Information/Public Relations Officer, Ministry of Agriculture.
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