Wau — South Sudan's Western Bahr el Ghazal State Governor on Tuesday said his administration places food production as one of the top priorities as the state planes to become food self sufficient.

"We have identified five priority areas. One of the areas we are giving high attention now is food production and security. We are talking of security because it has connection with food production", Governor Rizik Zachariah Hassan said on Tuesday in an interview with Sudan Tribune.

Hassan said he had formed a new cabinet that will work with him to ensure delivery of basic service to the people despite the state's limited resources to implement development projects.

The governor pointed out the need to have a daily disciplined conduct and warned against disruptive and trivial behaviour in the government machinery. He warned that indiscipline will not be tolerated within the state apparatus.

"One thing I told the cabinet at the time of taking oath of office is the habit of working when a minister is around and when they are not around the work is deserted. People appear to have developed don't care attitude," he said.

He used the occasion to stress the importance of leading by example, and urged the ministers to ensure that they set a good example of leadership at their ministries in terms of their actions and their positive approach to work.

The governor further warned against the wasteful use of resources, urging the ministers to ensure that the resources placed at their disposal are judiciously utilised. He urged cabinet members to also ensure that they are on top of the things at their respective ministries and control the little resources at their disposal.

Morris Yel Akol Tiit, the deputy governor, received a tap on the back by the governor, who reportedly praised him during swearing-in ceremony. Governor Hassan described Tiit as committed cabinet member, pointing out that it is due to his high sense of dedication, patriotism and one with a heart for this country.

While speaking to Sudan Tribune early July shortly after announcement of his appointment, Tiit thanked Governor Hassan for the trust and confidence he placed on him. "Our people always believe that governor chooses for a reason and he chooses rightly."

"I have belief that my colleagues have been chosen based on trust and confidence to deliver service," he said. He further vowed to do the best he can for the welfare of the state's people.

Arkangelo Anyar Anyar, a new cabinet member confirmed his appointment as minister of youth and sports praised also the governor for his confidence adding he will cooperate with other cabinet members to achieve the goals of the government.

Governor Hassan in gubernatorial order issued on 6 July, cited article 99 (a) of the State Transitional Constitution, appointed the members of the Western Bahr el Ghazal government.

Among the new faces in the cabinet there are : Lilian Valentino Rizik, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Irrigation, Arkengelo Anyar Anyar, Minister of Youth and Sports, Derik Alfred Uya, Minister of Culture Information and Telecommunication, Peter Upio, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Ruhaia Madut Ujuok, Minister of Public Service and Juliet Raphael Makel- Minister of Finance, Trade and Industry.

The following are those who kept their ministerial portfolios are : Morris Yel Akol Tiit, Deputy Governor and a minister of physical infrastructure, Angelo Taban Biajo, Minister of local government and law enforcement, Adil Athanasio Surur, Minister of education and Instruction, Isaac Cleto Hassan, Minister of Health, and Zachariah Joseph Garang, Minister of Cooperatives and Rural Transformation.