The Bayelsa State government has initiated a policy aimed at enhancing food security within the state by allocating two farming days each week for civil servants.
Introduced by the Bayelsa State Civil Service Commission and endorsed by Governor Douye Diri, the directive reduces the regular weekly work days for workers from Grade level 14 and below to three days.
The policy is scheduled to take effect on April 29, 2024, and will last for six months.
According to a circular signed by the Bayelsa State Head of Service, Biobelemoye Charles-Onyeama, the initiative aims to promote agricultural activities among government employees.
“The focus is to enhance food production across the state and ensure that our workers contribute directly to food security,” Charles-Onyeama stated.
However, essential service providers such as teachers and medical personnel are exempted from the directive to ensure that critical services remain uninterrupted.
Governor Diri expressed optimism about the positive impact of the initiative on the state’s agricultural productivity.
“By allocating dedicated time for farming, we are taking a proactive step towards self-sufficiency in food production, which is crucial for our state’s sustainability,” Governor Diri noted.
