In a strategic move to strengthen food and nutritional security in Abia State and the wider Southeast region, the Abia State Government has announced plans to collaborate with the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU).
The State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze, disclosed this during an official visit to MOUAU’s Greenhouse Project on Tomatoes and Peppers recently.
He said the partnership will focus on building the capacities of Farmers and Youths in crop production, particularly tomatoes and peppers, to address persistent shortages in the region’s markets.
Dr. Agbaeze commended the university, led by Prof. Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe for fulfilling its agricultural mandate by bridging the gaps among academics, research and farmers’ needs.
He assured that the state is committed to harnessing the institution’s expertise to enhance food production, improve market supply, and promote agricultural innovation.
The Commissioner, who was earlier received by the Director of the university’s Agribusiness Incubation Centre (ABIC), Dr. Philips Nto, also toured food processing hub and value addition laboratory, fish farms, and animal production units among others.
He reaffirmed Governor Alex Otti’s administration commitments to revitalizing agriculture in the state.
Meanwhile, the University’s Greenhouse Project Supervisor, Prof. Mabel Ifeoma Onwuka, explained that the initiative was designed as a research and training hub under the university’s climate-smart agriculture programme.
According to her, the facility is not limited to enhancing food production only, but also to provide hands-on training for students, farmers, and extension workers.
Prof. Onwuka emphasised the nutritional value of tomatoes as a rich source of essential micronutrients, stressing that the project integrates teaching, research, and practical demonstration for sustainable food production.
She noted that the greenhouses operate under an integrated system that combines organic and inorganic fertilisers with efficient irrigation techniques.
She further highlighted the commitment of MOUAU’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. M. O. Iwe, to advancing agricultural expertise, bridging supply gaps, and promoting nationwide food security.
Other dignitaries at the event were; Revd. Father Anokwuru, Special Adviser to Governor on Policy and Evaluation, Mr Victor Obasi, Director Livestock and Fisheries /CSS – Trained Farmers and Revd. Johnson Udensi Director of Extension Services, Abia Agricultural Development Programme (ADP).
