FrontNaija News
A young and innovative rice farmer from Bayelsa State, Mr. Friday Sini Jonah, Chief Executive Officer of Ovieya Rice Farm, has been honoured with a prestigious agricultural award as the 2025 Farmer of the Year in Bayelsa State, organized by the Seledoo Foundation.
Mr. Friday Sini Jonah, a native of Famgbe community, has successfully transformed rice farming into a thriving and lucrative agribusiness, earning him recognition for his resilience, vision, and commitment to food production and youth empowerment.
Speaking with journalists shortly after receiving the award, Friday described the recognition as “an honour and a privilege”, noting that the award would further motivate him to do more in advancing agriculture in Bayelsa State.
He expressed hope that his journey would inspire young people to embrace agriculture, not just as a means of survival but as a profitable business capable of transforming lives and communities.
The award recipient also commended the Seledoo Foundation for its continuous efforts in promoting agriculture and drawing attention to the critical issue of food security in Bayelsa State through its programs and initiatives.
According to him, the world’s population is increasing at a geometric rate, while land remains static, stressing that man must eat to survive, and failure to do so leads to death. He emphasized that agriculture remains the backbone of human existence across all cultures and societies.
Mr. Friday used the opportunity to call on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Bayelsa State Government to key into the enormous potential of Ovieya Rice Farm, with a vision to transform Bayelsa State and the entire Niger Delta into a commercial rice production hub.
He further appealed for strategic partnerships from well-meaning individuals, corporate bodies, and especially the Bayelsa State Government, stating that Ovieya Rice Farm has consistently proven its capacity in rice production through the successful output of Ovieya Rice.
According to him, with the right support and investment, Ovieya Rice Farm can significantly reduce youth unemployment, take young people off the streets, and generate sustainable employment opportunities for Bayelsa youths while strengthening food sufficiency in the region.
FrontNaija News reports that the recognition of young agripreneurs like Mr. Friday Sini Jonah signals a growing acknowledgment of agriculture as a vital tool for economic development and youth empowerment in Bayelsa State.
