Rt Hon Marcus Onobun seeks for more synergy with Min. of Agric on sustainable Rural Development
The chairman, House Committee on Rural Development Rt. Hon Marcus Onobun KSC has said it’s committee will work to improve health, electricity water, education, roads and as well ensure other palliative measures to strengthen the well-being of rural dwellers.
Rt. Hon Marcus Onobun, member representing Esan West, Esan Central and Igueben Federal Constituency while receiving apology from Mr. Temitope Peter, permanent secretary Ministry of Agriculture and food security for his unavailability in the previous meetings scheduled on Thursday 16th 2024, harped on the committee’s huge responsibility in reaching out to Nigerians.
According to him, “the jurisdiction shall cover wherever the word rural development appears, it shall fall under the jurisdiction of the committee; developing a comprehensive and realistic rural development policy and laws; coordinating and harmonizing all rural development programmes to fit into the aforesaid policy and ensure implementation of same, provided such programmes do not fall under the purview of other committee. Liaising with all persons and agencies whose functions relate to rural development.”
Earlier, he said part of it’s mandate is for oversight functions across all departments in Rural Development.
While commending the ministry of Agriculture and food security, he noted the national assembly will be ready to be partners in progress.
“We, representatives of the people need to be part of your policies, and there are areas where Nigerians are feeling the effects of your outputs we are here to speak with you and know your challenges, he said.
In his response, the permanent secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and food security Mr Temitope Peters Fashedemi started by tendering apology for his absence in the previous meetings. He reiterated that Rural Development committee is very critical to the ministry aside other committees because it deals on food and other perishable products. He further promised that they are ready to work together with the committee as partners in progress.
