The Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has reiterated his commitment to creating jobs for unemployed youths in the state, through the promotion of public-private partnership in commercial agriculture.

Speaking during his inspection visit to Siat Nigeria Limited (former Risonpalm) at Ubima on Friday, Governor Wike said that through commercial agriculture more than 10000 youths will be gainfully employed in the coming months.

He said that the Rivers State Government will partner with the company to revive Delta Rubber, which has been moribund for years.

“With the commitment that they have shown, we believe that the company will make Delta Rubber functional once again.

“I direct the Commissioner of Agriculture to open up immediate discussion with the company over the privatisation of Delta Rubber.

“With 5,000 persons already employed, we believe that the privatisation will also create thousands of direct and indirect jobs.”

The governor noted that commercial farming estates in Bori would also be privatised for the creation of jobs for Rivers youths.

Earlier, the Chairman of Board, Mr Vandebeck, said that since the takeover of the facility in 2011, the company has made substantial investments which has led to the emergence of a state of the art oil mill, with fruit bunches being harvested in commercial quantity both in Ubima and Elele estates.

He added that the company also purchases fruit bunches in large quantities from private farmers within the catchment area.

Also speaking, Mr Flex Nwobuko said that Ubima and Elele Plantations have been cleaned up and first class maintenance operations and practices are constantly applied.

He noted that the replanting of Elele estate old palms has commenced, with 2700 hectares already completed, while another 1700 has been planned for 2017. (Channels TV)

•Governor Wike.

Wike assures of more jobs with revival of rubber, oil palm industries