By Salawu Nneka Patience
A delegation from the Global Economic and Cultural Federation has paid a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, where it presented a comprehensive agricultural and socio-economic development proposal aimed at boosting food security, employment generation, and rural development in the state.
Speaking during the visit, the Honorable Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Timothy Ojomah, expressed appreciation to the visiting team, the traditional ruler for their support and role in fostering development partnerships. He assured the visitors that the proposal would be thoroughly studied and presented to the State Economic Council, stressing that any partnership would be based on mutual agreement and alignment with government development priorities. He emphasised the position of His excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo FCE in the agricultural sector in the state which has greatly improved the food supply and reduced drastically, the costs of food items in the state.
Also speaking, the Honorable Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management, Hon. Joseph Oluwasegun, emphasized the need for regulatory compliance. He stated that the organization must be duly registered and subject to government scrutiny, adding that collaboration would only proceed in line with environmental and ecological standards of the state.
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of the Global Economic and Cultural Federation, Dr. Do Gun Harry Hwang, described the organization as a non-profit body committed to sustainable development. He disclosed plans to submit a detailed proposal featuring phased project implementation, modernized year-round farming, and the involvement of Korean-American professionals working alongside Nigerians.
According to Dr. Hwang, the project will focus initially on maize and beans cultivation, require approximately 55,000 hectares of land, and is expected to generate significant employment opportunities. The proposal also includes plans to establish an agricultural high school for farmer training and a clinic to support host communities.
The representative of the Achadu Òkò Attah Igala, Shuaibu Iliyasu, conveyed the goodwill of the royal father and reaffirmed the traditional institution’s support for initiatives that promote development while respecting local customs.
Other speakers at the event included the Project Manager, Omali OjoArome James, the Technical Assistant to the CEO, Yerima Abdulazeez Abba Tukur, and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Ecological Management, Haruna Muhammad Jibo, who all underscored the importance of collaboration, technical innovation, and strict adherence to government policies.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Moses Dare, delivered the vote of thanks, appreciating the visiting delegation, government officials, and stakeholders present, while expressing optimism that sustained engagement and due process would lead to a successful and mutually beneficial partnership.
