State Government Launches Cocoa Plantation Project Across Six LGAs
Abia Deputy Engr Ikechukwu Emetu in a handshake with Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Cliff Agbaeze.
In a major move to boost agriculture and drive economic development, the state government has unveiled plans to establish six cocoa plantations across selected Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the three geo-political zones of the state.
Engr Emetu
The initiative was announced by the Deputy Governor, Engr Ikechukwu Emetu, during the presentation of the 2025 Cocoa Development Programme by the State Cocoa Transformation Committee at his office.
Engr Emetu commended the programme, describing it as a strategic effort to enhance internally generated revenue and create employment opportunities across the state. He revealed that the state government will fully fund the project, in collaboration with the Ministries of Lands and Agriculture.
According to the Deputy Governor, a minimum of 50 hectares of land will be allocated in each of the six selected LGAs for the pilot phase of the programme.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze, disclosed that the government has earmarked N1.378 billion for the project. The pilot phase will be rolled out in Ikwuano, Isiala Ngwa North, Bende, Ohafia, Obingwa, and Ukwa East LGAs.
Representatives from the local governments also voiced their support. Speaking on behalf of the Mayor of Obingwa, his Deputy, Dr. Destiny Isiguzoro, and the Mayor of Ikwuano, Dr. Anthony N. Nwaubani, praised the project as a significant step toward sustainable economic growth. They emphasized its potential to generate jobs, attract investment, and improve state revenue.
Meanwhile, the State Chairman of the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria, Mr. John Kalu, urged the government to make use of the state’s vast forest reserves in addition to newly acquired lands. He also called for the construction of more access roads to facilitate land acquisition and ease logistics during the pilot phase.
The Cocoa Development Programme marks a significant stride in the state’s agricultural transformation agenda and is expected to position the state as a leading cocoa producer in the region.
