In a move to bolster food security, the Bayelsa State Government has introduced a policy that allocates two farming days each week for civil servants.
The directive by the Bayelsa State Civil Service Commission and endorsed by Governor Douye Diri, reduced the regular work days to three in a week for workers from Grade level 14 and below, starting April 29, 2024, for a period of six months.
According to a circular signed by Biobelemoye Charles-Onyeama, the Bayelsa State Head of Service, the initiative is aimed at promoting 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.
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