Abians have been urged to engage with the strategic agricultural policy thrusts of Governor Alex Chioma Otti, aimed at ensuring food sufficiency and agro-development in the state.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Due Process and Public Procurement Bureau, Dr. Oluebube Chukwu, stated this while speaking to newsmen at his Government House office in Umuahia to mark the World Food Day commemoration. He emphasized that the administration of Dr. Alex Chioma Otti is pro-agriculture and has innovative projects and ideas in place to ensure food sufficiency in the state.
Dr. Chukwu disclosed that the administration’s investment in youth and farmers sent to CSS Farm in Nasarawa State to receive training and acquire new skills in agri-business is unique, noting that such projects can transform lives and add value to the economy.
“This government is pro-agriculture, which is why it has deliberately pursued policies and placed the right people at the forefront of the agro-industry to ensure programs and projects like this take flight.”
“The administration also has monitoring policies in place to ensure that the training farmers and youths receive will be fully implemented in their chosen fields of empowerment, enabling them to have a positive impact on the local economy,” Chukwu said.
The Due Process Chief further informed that the Governor’s recent disbursement of interest-free loan funds to farmers in Abia is a powerful and commendable support for agrarians, demonstrating that agriculture is an integral part of his vision for the development of the state economy.
He noted that the current food shortages and hunger experienced in the country are the result of policy inconsistencies at various levels of government and a general insensitivity to agriculture.
According to him, the theme for this year’s World Food Day commemoration—”Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future”—is instructive and sends a strong signal to everyone about the need for food security in the states, countries, and the world at large.
Dr. Chukwu, therefore, urged Abians and Nigerians at large to invest in agriculture and agri-based businesses to ensure sufficient food in the country.
