The Abia State Government has distributed agricultural inputs to 660 smallholder farmers across the 17 Local Government Areas of the state as part of efforts to strengthen food production and boost agribusiness development.
The intervention, carried out through the Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with the African Union Development Agency–New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD), benefited 340 poultry farmers, 150 fish farmers and 170 vegetable farmers.
Speaking during the distribution exercise held at the premises of the Broadcasting Corporation of Abia State (BCA), Governor Alex Otti said the initiative underscores his administration’s commitment to agricultural transformation and the vision to position Abia as a major hub for agribusiness and food production.
The Governor represented by his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, the governor described smallholder farmers as the backbone of food security in any nation and reaffirmed that agriculture would continue to receive priority attention under his administration.
He said the government remains determined to reposition and rebrand the agricultural sector in order to drive economic prosperity for the people of the state.
Governor Otti commended the partnership with AUDA-NEPAD, describing the programme as “well planned, well intended and focused,” adding that any government seeking sustainable prosperity for its citizens must be deliberate in its agricultural policies.
The governor also applauded the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze, and his team for ensuring that farmers in the state receive quality support in line with the administration’s development agenda. He urged beneficiaries to utilize the inputs strictly for the intended purposes.
Earlier in his remarks, the Commissioner for Agriculture and State Focal Person for AUDA-NEPAD, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze, said the intervention marks another milestone in the state government’s efforts to reposition agriculture as a key driver of economic growth, food security and rural prosperity.
Agbaeze noted that the programme goes beyond the mere distribution of inputs, explaining that it is designed to empower farmers, strengthen food systems and build a resilient agricultural sector in Abia State.
He explained that the current phase of the intervention targeted trained poultry, fisheries and vegetable farmers who had already been captured in the Abia State Agriculture Dynamic Database System (Abia ADDS).
In her welcome address, the State Project Coordinator for the AUDA-NEPAD Innovative Strengthening of Smallholder Farmers Initiative, Mrs. Catherine Osondu, commended Governor Otti for ensuring Abia’s participation in the programme.
She reminded the beneficiaries that the items provided were not gifts but support meant to enhance their agricultural productivity and encouraged them to apply the inputs judiciously.
Also speaking, the State Technical Consultant on Abia ADDS, Mr. Emeka Nwachinemerem, disclosed that about 53,000 farmers have so far been registered in the state’s agricultural database across the 17 LGAs.
He assured that more farmers would be captured on the platform to expand opportunities for agricultural support.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Hafuruchi Joseph expressed gratitude to the state government for the training and support provided, assuring that the inputs would be used effectively to boost production.
The highlight of the event was the symbolic presentation of farm inputs, including poultry juveniles, fish fingerlings, fertilizers, livestock feeds and herbicides, to selected beneficiaries by the governor’s representative.
The ceremony was attended by several government officials, including the Special Adviser to the Governor on Investment Promotion and Public Private Partnership, Chief Green Amankwe; the Special Adviser on Ease of Doing Business, Mrs. Agbonma Ukobasi; former State FADAMA Coordinator and Supervisor for Agriculture in Isuikwuato Local Government Area, Dr. Ezinne Otuka, among other dignitaries.
