Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has assured the Tiv community resident in the state of inclusive governance and pledged to explore opportunities for access to farmland and a designated market to boost agricultural production and trade.
Otti, represented by his Deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, gave the assurance when leaders of the Tiv Socio-Cultural Association in Abia State paid a courtesy visit to the Deputy Governor’s Conference Hall at Government House, Umuahia.
The governor said his administration remained committed to equal opportunities for all residents, irrespective of their ethnic backgrounds, stressing that anyone who lived, paid taxes and contributed to the state’s development deserved fair treatment.
He cited the appointment of a non-indigene from Edo State as Head of Service and the recent recruitment of Tiv indigenes and their spouses into the state teaching service as evidence of his administration’s commitment to merit-based employment.
Otti congratulated the Umuahia branch chairman of the association, Hon. Daniel Iorfa, and his wife on their recruitment into the teaching service, urging them to demonstrate commitment, integrity and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
On the community’s request for land and a market, the governor said the government would explore possible arrangements to support their agricultural and commercial activities.
He disclosed that the state was considering relocating traders operating around Isi-Gate to a centralised market, noting that the proposed arrangement could create opportunities for accommodating more traders, including members of the Tiv community.
According to him, strengthening the supply of agricultural produce from Benue State and other farming communities would improve food availability, reduce transportation costs and make food more affordable for residents.
He added that increased agricultural production and efficient distribution of farm produce could create jobs, expand business opportunities and help reduce poverty.
Addressing concerns about misconceptions and discrimination against Tiv people, particularly instances in which they are mistaken for members of other ethnic groups, the governor called for greater understanding and peaceful coexistence among residents.
He maintained that people should not be judged or discriminated against on the basis of their ethnic identity, adding that the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs could collaborate with traditional rulers to promote better relations between host communities and non-indigenous residents.
Otti also encouraged eligible residents to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and participate actively in the electoral process, while urging them to protect their votes during elections.
He thanked the association for its endorsement of his administration ahead of the 2027 general elections and assured the delegation that its requests would be conveyed to him for further consideration.
Earlier, the President-General of the Tiv Socio-Cultural Association in Abia State, Hon. Jmason Mbache, commended the Otti administration for what he described as improvements in infrastructure, digital services, electricity supply and other sectors.
Mbache, who estimated the Tiv population in the state at about 5,000, said the community was ready to contribute more to Abia’s economic development through agriculture, trade and other productive ventures.
He disclosed that Tiv residents were already engaged in farming in several communities, including Ohafia, where some cultivated maize and other crops.
The association leader said access to farmland and a designated market would enable Tiv farmers and traders to supply large quantities of yams and other produce to Abia, thereby strengthening food supply and potentially lowering market prices.
He also appealed to the state government to address misconceptions about the Tiv people and ensure that they enjoyed recognition and fair treatment.
In his remarks, the association’s Pathfinder, Prof. David Uduma, expressed satisfaction with the developments recorded in Abia since Otti assumed office in 2023.
Uduma described the visit as a demonstration of solidarity and appreciation for the administration, expressing hope that the state would sustain its development drive.
The Umuahia branch chairman, Iorfa, said he had lived in Abia for more than 15 years and appreciated the government’s commitment to employment based on merit.
He disclosed that he and his wife were among those recently recruited into the state teaching service, adding that they did not pay money to secure their appointments.
Iorfa also commended the government for improvements in road infrastructure and other public facilities, reaffirming the Tiv community’s support for the administration.
Similarly, the Aba branch chairman, Hon. John Chie, conveyed the support of Tiv residents in Aba and appealed for assistance to enable eligible community members without voter cards to obtain them and participate in future elections.
Chie, who said he had lived in Aba since 2017, urged the government to sustain its infrastructure development efforts, particularly road construction and rehabilitation.
The visit featured the presentation of gift items to the Deputy Governor by the association as a mark of appreciation and a symbol of the Tiv people’s agricultural heritage in Benue State, popularly known as the Food Basket of the Nation.
