Chukwuemeka Woke, the director-general of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, has disbursed N150 million to 300 farmers in Emohua LGA of Rivers.

On Monday, Mr Woke told journalists in Isiodu, Emohua, that the gesture supported the back-to-farm initiative of the president’s wife, Oluremi Tinubu.

He added that the grant would boost food security and empower small-scale farmers in the 14 wards of the local government area.

The NOSDRA chief said the grant would enable smallholder farmers to contribute to massive food production in 2025.

”The grant will enable our local farmers to procure inputs, pay for land lease, and cater for other needs ahead of the planting season.

”The aim of this support is to enhance crop yield in the 2025 harvest, especially cassava. This will reflect in the cost and availability of food in the state,” he said.

Chukwuemeka Aaron, factional chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Rivers, commended the federal government for the initiative.

Mr Aaron said the gesture would boost local food production in the area. He urged the beneficiaries to put the grant to judicious use in the interest of food security.

Also speaking at the event, Tony Okocha, factional chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Rivers, described the grant as a good omen.

Mr Okocha said agriculture was critical to President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda.

He urged the beneficiaries to take advantage of the opportunity to contribute to the federal government’s food security initiative.

(NAN)