The Niger-Delta Basin Development Authority is to partner with the State Government in the development of agriculture and creation of jobs for youths.

The Chairman of the Authority Chief Emmanuel Agwariavwodo stated this during a courtesy visit on Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan. He said agriculture could provide jobs and curb youths restiveness and appealed to the Federal Government to adequately fund Basin Development Authorities.

While remarking that agriculture is the main-focus of the Federal Government, Chief Agwariavwodo spoke on plans for commercial rice farming in various parts of the State in addition to the development of palm estates.

He commended the Governor for his efforts in ensuring that the Federal Government granted amnesty to the militants.

Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan expressed satisfaction over the setting up of the Niger-Delta Basin Development Authority and remarked that the organization will contribute to peace in the Niger-Delta via agriculture which will lead to the provision of food items and job for the teeming population.

He said the State Government had embarked on the massive development of agriculture as a strategy for creating jobs for women and youths saying that rice production and aquaculture would be given priority.

While saying that the State Government will key into the Federal Government's mechanized agricultural programme, the governor called on the private sector to collaborate with the State and Federal Governments in the development of agriculture.