By Yiep Joseph
Western Bahar-el Ghazal state governor , Emanuel Primo Ukelo, has vowed to improve the agriculture sector by supporting local farmers in order to increase food production in the area.
Ukelo said in an interview that besides working for peace and stability among the people in the Western Bahr el Ghazal state, there is a need to focus on agriculture in order to produce enough food.
“I pledged to prioritize agriculture and empower local food supply,” he said.
The government revealed that his administration would provide necessary tools and support to farmers in order to increase food production.
He appealed to the people in the state to work for peace and embark on food production in order to fight food insecurity.
The governor promised to ensure that the state and national governments cooperate in improving essential services such as education, health, and education, among others.
Governor Ukelo promised to respect the political rights of parties and continue to engage in free political spaces that allow all the parties to conduct rallies and other activities without any interference.
“The political parties are allowed to operate freely and conduct their activities without interference from the state government,” he promised.
He expressed that there are a lot of challenges, ranging from health to education, among others, citing that his government will try its best to ensure that services are delivered to the people.
Governor Ukelo promised to start from where the former governor left with the hope of implementing the pending project for the benefit of the people of Western Bhar el Ghazal state.
“I will start from where the former governor, Sarah Cleto, ended, and I will complete the projects she did complete and proceed with development,” he said.
Ukelo acknowledges the effort made by the former government in regard to bringing peace and stability to the area.
He added that his administration would focus on ensuring that youth are empowered and supported to increase production.
“I will focus on maintaining sustainable peace and security in the state, as well as promoting youth activities,” he said.
Last week President Salva Kiir swore in Emmanuel Primo Ukelo as the new governor of Western Bahr el Ghazal State and urged him to prioritize peace and stability in the area.
Ukelo replaced Sarah Cleto, who was appointed to the position in July 2020 as part of a power-sharing arrangement provided for in the revitalized peace agreement, allowing the main armed opposition SPLM-IO to nominate a governor for Western Bahr el Ghazal.
According to the Presidency, Kiir emphasized the importance of achieving lasting peace ahead of the national elections scheduled for two years from now.
He urged all leaders to work towards a sustainable peace process and ensure a smooth electoral process.