Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has pledged necessary collaboration with, and support to the Ministry of Water Resources and Anambra/Imo River Basin Development Authority, as they embark on Green Rural Community Programme in the state.
The governor spoke on Friday when the Minister of Water Resources, Suleiman Hassan Adamu, and his team paid a courtesy call on him.
The governor said he was pleased that the Green Rural Community Project is a private sector driven programme and that the government will give those behind it the necessary support and assistance to ensure that it comes to fruition.
Governor Uzodimma, in a statement by his media aide, Oguwike Nwachuku, predicated the support on the fact that where the project is properly deployed, it will help solve food scarcity, reduce youth restiveness, reduce unemployment, encourage good nutrition and also bring happiness to the citizens of Imo State.
He therefore charged those behind the programme to endeavour to replicate what they did in Port-Novo, Benin Republic in Imo State.
The governor thanked the ministry for giving Imo State the opportunity to host the signature programme, Songhai project, as a community project.
He reiterated that he is excited that the programme which has value chain will take care of food insecurity in Imo State in addition to “create jobs for our young men and women that are roaming the streets.”
“The beauty of the programme is that it is an A-Z solution, meaning that it encompasses the value chain in agriculture and has the potential for sustainability.”
He thanked the minister for supporting the initiative, noting that over time in the areas of water supply, hygiene, sanitation “once it concerns Imo State, the minister drives it with passion which shows his interest in our state.”
For a successful execution of the said projects, Uzodimma urged them to relate well with the host communities in a friendly manner so that they do a seamless operation which will not generate rural crisis.
He further commended the Anambra/Imo River Basin Development Authority on the way and manner they have been conducting themselves and promised to continue to encourage partnership with the private sector as government alone cannot solve the problem of the people.
