Eric Akongnui Andandfung was
appointed by the board of directors of the Upper Noun Valley Development Authority
UNVDA headed by Tikela Kemonne Doudou to take over from Dr. Chin Wirnkar
Richard as General Manager during an extraordinary session chaired by Minister
Henri Ayissi Eyebe. The new GM was given firm instructions first to boost
production of rice to curb importation and secondly to give visibility to the
rice product and the huge potentials of UNVDA I in both local and international
market.
The Minister of Agriculture lauded
the out-gone workaholic Dr. Chin Wirnkar Richard for working so hard in the
last five years though his efforts were still expectation of the given period.
As General Manager of the Upper Noun Valley Development authority, Chin Wirnkar
Richard had improved on the quality of the Ndop rice product, was on February
9, 2017, booted out of office partly for failing to give the product visibility
in both the local and international markets. On the other hand the outgone GM
went through the gate of hell with tons of petitions from the locals who
believe strongly that UNVDA is their thing and should have at the helm a son or
daughter from Ngoketunjia. Unfortunately for them which is in the spirit of
national integration as perceived by the Head of State, the people of Bambili
found favours in the eyes of the powers that be, in appointing one of theirs to
head this state institution.
In the words of Agriculture Minister,
he intimated that UNVDA from creation has remained the main source of livelihood
with prime objective to alleviate poverty by improving on rice production.
UNVDA has since then continue to face challenges of visibility in the market.
Government has continue to spend huge sums on importation of this product
whereas the country has huge potential to produce, feed itself and even export.
Eric Akongnui Andandfung, a holder of a Masters degree in resource management
by this appointment has the odious task of promoting rice product and making it
available in the market. The Minister who is a supervisory authority of UNVDA
reminded the new General Manager that his appointment is a rare mark of
confidence bestowed on him by President Paul Biya. He reiterated that this
confidence by the Head of State can only be useful if he delivers the much
expected results. Attention is expected
to be tilted towards improving out put, continue with the upland rice
development project as initiated through the Japanese Cooperation with the
government of Cameroon. Extension of the ongoing irrigation process and close monitoring of the three years
project in the agriculture sector which is said to be dear to the Head of
State. The Minister assured the new General Manager all the support from the
Head of Government and his ministry to facilitate realization of assigned task.
The staff and personnel were called upon to put additional effort in their
input and should be rest assured that management would continue in the best
interest of UNVDA and that they should give their outmost support to the new
General Manager. On his part the New General Manager thanked the Head of State
for confidence bestowed on his humble person and Minister Henri Ayebe Ayisi for
coming to preside over the ceremony and looks forward to have all the technical
support given that he is new in matters of Agriculture but promise to use his
knowhow as promoter to foster production of rice.
In 2016 the management projected
output of 20.000 tons and by end of December she realized 18000 tons. Next on
the agenda is land development to be able to give farmers space. Seed
development is ongoing to increase rice production and curb importation which
is draining hard currency. UNVDA is expecting lots of machinery and civil
engineering machineries.
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