The Governor of Eastern Equatoria State has urged citizens in the area to embark on farming as the only way to combat over-dependency on relief aid and imported food.
Governor Luis Lobong Lojore made the remarks while delivering his Easter Message at his office in Torit Town on Sunday.
“As the rainy season begins, I appeal to all the people of Eastern Equatoria state to work hard on their farms and be productive, let’s transform from need and dependency to abundance and self-reliance,” Lobong said.
“I believe that through our hard work and our unity we can do miracles, the people of Eastern Equatoria are well known for their wisdom and determination,” he added.
The top state official also called on the youth there to use the Easter festivity as courage to abandon the life of crimes, revenge, tribal feuds and political conflict in the state.
Lagu Joseph, one of the farmers in Torit County, welcomed the message but decried the lack of seeds as the main challenge affecting farmers in the state capital.
“We are all ready now some people even now have started cultivation with the small seeds they have but our biggest challenge is that we lack seed,” Lagu said.
Okullo peter, another farmer in Magwi county, calls for collective efforts by the citizens in the state to combat the existing challenges.
“When we have enough rain, we have fertile land like for the people of Magwi here it gives no sense to import food from outside and yet we have enough manpower that can do the same activity here,” Peter said.