In a bid to revitalise agriculture and enhance food security, the Bayelsa State Civil Service Commission has made a bold move by approving a two-day weekly farming period for its workers. This decision, aimed at reducing the number of official workdays to three, reflects a visionary approach to addressing the agricultural challenges facing the state, as well as the nation at large. The circular, recently signed by the Bayelsa State Head of Service, Biobelemoye Charles-Onyeama, underscores the government’s commitment to promoting self-sufficiency in food production.
By allocating dedicated time for farming activities, the administration acknowledges the vital role of agriculture in sustaining livelihoods and driving economic growth. Governor Douye Diri’s approval of this initiative marks a significant step towards harnessing the agricultural potentials of the state. By encouraging civil servants to actively engage in farming, the government not only stimulates agricultural productivity, but also cultivates a culture of self-reliance and entrepreneurship among its workforce. However, this only applies to civil servants from grade level 14 and below, excluding teachers, medical personnel, and other staff on essential services. While the intention behind this decision is commendable, it raises questions about inclusivity and equity in the implementation of agricultural policies.
Moreover, the effectiveness of this measure hinges on adequate support and resources provided to workers transitioning into agriculture. Access to training, availability of land, financial incentives, and agricultural extension services will be critical in empowering civil servants to embrace farming as a sustainable livelihood option. Meanwhile, the scheduled implementation of the farming period for a duration of six months, presents an opportunity for stakeholders to monitor and evaluate its impact. It is imperative that the government conducts periodic assessments to assess the progress made in increasing agricultural productivity, improving food security, and enhancing the well-being of farmers.
It is, however, crucial to emphasise the importance of taking the farming directive seriously and not squandering the opportunity it presents. Civil servants must understand that the allocated farming days are not intended as leisure days, but as dedicated time for productive agricultural activities. It is essential to sound a note of caution to civil servants, reminding them of their responsibility to actively engage in farming during the designated periods. Wasting this time frivolously would not only undermine the purpose of the directive, but also hinder progress towards achieving food security and economic sustainability in the state and the nation.
Furthermore, civil servants should be reminded that the success of this agricultural initiative depends on their active participation and dedication to cultivating crops, tending to livestock, or engaging in other agricultural activities. Any complacency or negligence in this regard would be a disservice to the state’s efforts, and should not go unpunished as the case may be. Civil servants must heed the call to prioritise agriculture during the designated farming days and refrain from treating them as mere days off. By embracing this opportunity with seriousness and dedication, they can contribute to the collective goal of building a more resilient and food-secure Bayelsa State, south-south, and also a more resilient and prosperous future for Nigeria at large.
