By Tochukwu Eluwa-Delta
The Delta State Commissioner of Agriculture and Natural Resources Hon.Julius Egbedi has reacted to the allegation of fraudulent and corrupt practices in the handling of the ministry’s Poultry Development program by one Mr George Oghenekevwe who claimed to be representing the concerned beneficiaries of the Poultry Development Program from Ughelli North LGA.
In an open letter written to the executive governor of Delta State Dr Ifeanyi Okowa which went viral on social media,Mr George Oghenekevwe accused Hon Julius Egbedi of fraudulently substituting the names of the beneficiaries of the Poultry Development Program with imported names who are aliens to the entire process of the poultry development programme.
He accused the Hon.Commissioner of Agriculture and Natural Resources Julius Egbedi of undermining the usefulness of the poultry production programme of the Gov Okowa led administration thereby bringing it to public ridicule and eventually make complete mockery of your government strategic wealth creation programme, and consequently bring the integrity, competence, and trust of your administration in handling state funds into test.
However in a swift reaction to this accusation, the Hon Commissioner of Agriculture and Natural Resources Julius Egbedi while speaking with Online Media Practitioners in the State in his office debunked these accusations as been baseless and fictitious.The Agric boss stated that a total of 100 were selected for the Poultry Development Program after the ministry placed an advert for Deltans to apply for the program.He said however that although the training was meant for 100 people but the credit facilities for the program was meant for 28 people who are small Poultry owners, the credit facilities he Stated was made available for these beneficiaries to enable them increase their production capacity.
Hon Egbedi disclosed that 100 people invited for the training were told initially that not all of them will be given the credit facilities ,only those who meet the criteria of owning small poultry farms and need funds to expand.
He revealed that after diligent inspection of poultries of those who applied for the program by officers from the ministry who went round various locations in the state, 100 people were selected and trained for the program at the Delta Agricultural and Rural Development Agency (DARDA),Ibusa. From these 100 trainees 28 people who meet the stipulated requirements were selected for the credit facilities to expand their poultries,the Commissioner posited.He further said,the selection was done in a manner to ensure geographical spread of the State.
Hon Egbedi disclosed to journalist that, there was never a time when the said George Oghenekevwe was selected for the credit facilities, talk of replacing his name.
The Delta State boss said he is already taking necessary step to seek redress for defamation of his character.
He likewise revealed that he has already petitioned the DSS and his lawyers are finalizing necessary paper works against Mr George.
Collaborating what the Commissioner said,the Director of livestock Stock in the ministry Mr Omunizun Chukwuemeka Julius who supervised the Poultry Development Program disclosed that field officers were sent to inspect the poultries of all those who applied for the program, he stated that some of the places visited there was nothing on ground only empty lands covered with bush.
He said only those who met the criteria after inspection were selected, Mr Julius finally revealed that at no time was Mr George Oghenekevwe selected for the Credit facilities, so him making accusations of his name and others been replaced is laughable.
