The Bulgarian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Yanko Yordanov, along with a team of professors from a reputable Bulgarian University of Agriculture, have commenced soil analysis in Abia State for potential investment in full-scale agriculture.
The delegation on Wednesday, toured communities such as Abiriba, Ohafia, and Nkporo in Abia North Senatorial Zone, collecting soil samples for analysis.
Recall that the Bulgarian Ambassador and his team had during the week met with Governor Alex Otti, who welcomed collaboration with Bulgaria, focusing on trade and agriculture for the overall economic development of the state.
The proposed partnership includes a training support package in agricultural technology and skills, leveraging improved seedlings, advanced technology, and training to enhance the state’s agricultural productivity.
Addressing the members of Enachioken Abiriba in council led by Chief Kalu Kalu Ogbu, and the Ohafia traditional council at the palace of Ezieogo of Ebem Ohafia, Eze Ukoha Kalu Ukoha, the Bulgarian Ambassador expressed their interest in investing in various agricultural value chains.
He noted that apart from Agriculture,they are equally partnering the state in technological and skills development, human capital development and will provide the state access to International Market.
Speaking during the exercise, the Leader of the Government Team and Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade, Commerce and Industry, Chief Nwaka Inem emphasized that the visit aligns with the state government’s collaboration with Bulgarian government to invest in areas that will be of immense benefit to the state.
Chief Inem noted that the proposed investment is expected to provide tools for extensive mechanized farming, ensuring food security, job creation, wealth, and foreign exchange earnings.
“The visit of the Bulgarian delegation is of immense benefit to Abia state giving the discussions we are having with the Bulgarian government through the Ambassador to Nigeria who has facilitated a lot of interest with investors from Bulgaria in Agriculture and other economic approach.
“The whole idea about the investment we are jointly going to make is scientific in approach and by sending their experts to do soil analysis. It will help us to be guided in in the type of crops that will be developed.
“With the scientific analysis of the soil,it will be easy to determine the best crop that will give maximum yield for both local and international consumption and to a large extent export to European markets as well as improve on our IGR”Chief Inem said.
Also Speaking, the Mayor of Ohafia Local government council, Chief David Ogba- Onuoha said that Governor Alex Otti has through the initiative demonstrated determination to raising the economic fortunes of the rural dwellers and assured that the Local government will give the Bulgarian team the needed cooperation to succeed in their investment proposals.
In an interview with Journalists,one of the prominent Sons of Abiriba kingdom,Chief Kelvin Jombo-Onuma said the Abiriba community is happy to witness the new dawn under the present administration led by Governor Alex Otti and Chief David Ogba-Onuoha at the local government level.
He highlighted the potential of the initiative to address Nigeria’s challenge of insufficient large-scale production for export and expressed belief that successful business ideas will encourage entrepreneurs to invest locally.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze, and other government functionaries were part of the visit, which also included a meeting with the traditional rulers of Nkporo.
