Western Equatoria development agenda in Yambio
Western Equatoria State’s Minister of Cabinet Affairs, John Bariyona, has pledged a renewed push against illiteracy, hunger and weak road infrastructure, framing them as major barriers to the state’s development.
Speaking on Monday in Yambio, John Bariyona called on staff across key ministries to align their work, arguing that coordinated planning is essential to address poverty, food insecurity and low education standards.
Food security focus and farmer group registration
John Bariyona said the state should sustain its reputation as the country’s food basket, placing particular emphasis on practical support for local production and livelihoods.
“We want Western Equatoria State to remain the food basket of the country. The Ministry of Agriculture should register more than 1,000 local farmers’ groups,” John Bariyona said, adding that fisheries and animal resources institutions should also strengthen household income opportunities.
Roads, bridges and access to medicines
The Minister of Cabinet Affairs linked infrastructure directly to public health outcomes, saying roads and bridges shape whether essential supplies reach people outside urban centres.
“Roads and bridges are also critical so that drugs and medicines can reach vulnerable communities at the grassroots,” John Bariyona said, urging the Ministry of Roads and Bridges to prioritise construction that improves access to health facilities and remote communities.
Civil service cohesion and governance tone
Alongside sector priorities, John Bariyona cautioned civil servants against internal disputes, encouraging cooperation with the new leadership and problem-solving through open dialogue and mutual respect.
His message was echoed by other ministers, who portrayed unity inside government offices as a practical condition for stronger service delivery and more predictable results for communities.
Education reforms and learning standards pledge
Gibson Bullen, the newly appointed education minister, said his focus is to improve management and raise learning standards across the state.
“I want to ensure that the education system in Western Equatoria is improved and well-managed,” Gibson Bullen said. He added that he was grateful to the president for the appointment and aimed to expand access to quality education for the state’s youth.
Gibson Bullen appealed to ministry staff to work closely with him, presenting teamwork as his guiding principle for improving services within the education system.
Agriculture, environment and livelihoods support
Nagomoro Bridget Philemon, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Environment, said her priority is to support farmers’ livelihoods while addressing environmental challenges affecting Western Equatoria State.
“As the newly appointed minister of agriculture, my priority is to support farmers and their livelihoods while tackling environmental challenges facing Western Equatoria State,” Nagomoro Bridget Philemon said.
Animal resources, fisheries and tourism unity message
Leticia Ambrose Anikindi, Minister of Animal Resources, Fisheries and Tourism, warned staff against internal divisions, urging honesty, cooperation and unity in day-to-day administration.
She said ministers are appointed to work with civil servants rather than against them, and encouraged staff to see each other as one family working for the good of the people.
Residents’ expectations as ministers assume office
Residents have welcomed the ministers’ assumption of office as a sign of hope, especially as the state intensifies efforts to reduce illiteracy, fight hunger and improve service delivery.
The remarks were made after the officials formally took office at their respective ministries in Yambio on Monday morning, accompanied by John Bariyona, other government officials, as well as family members, friends and supporters.