By Yang Ater Yang
Lakes State Governor Rin Tueny Mabor is calling on residents to boost agricultural production.
The governor is encouraging people to leave urban areas and prepare farmland as part of efforts to tackle hunger in 2025, which he believes is a key factor driving conflict in the state.
In his New Year’s message, the Governor promised security for farmers and urged the community to take advantage of opportunities for extensive farming, both for business and family sustenance.
“There is nothing that will sustain us except agriculture. Go out to the villages and start clearing land to establish farms. People tried it in 2024, but it was not enough. The production from 2024 should be the foundation for 2025. I want you to farm for what you will eat and sell any surplus,” Rin stated.
“Do it yourself, and your government will provide security for you. I want you to eradicate hunger because it breeds hatred and fosters reckless talk and violence. I am always happy when I see people walking the streets of town content because they have something to eat,” he added.
Governor Rin further emphasized that in 2025, the government will prioritize agriculture to ensure food security.
He also mentioned that peace dialogues have been initiated between the neighboring counties of Tonj East and Tonj North in Warrap State, as well as Pakam in Rumbek North, Cueibet County in Lakes State, to facilitate peaceful resettlements.
In related news, Governor Rin confirmed that a cholera outbreak in the three counties of Greater Yirol West, Yirol East, and Awerial has led to the deaths of over people, with more cases reported in recent weeks.
He urged the general public to practice proper health and hygiene precautions, including regular handwashing, drinking clean water, boiling drinking water, and avoiding pool water to prevent cholera infections.
“Teams of health workers are deployed in those areas to respond to the cholera outbreak in the state,” he added.