NEWS
ABIA STATE GOVT, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH AUDA-NEPAD, EMPOWERS 660 SMALLHOLDER FARMERS WITH AGRICULTURAL INPUTS ACROSS 17 LGAs TO BOOST FOOD SECURITY AND DRIVE AGRIBUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
In a strategic move aimed at strengthening agricultural productivity and empowering smallholder farmers across the state, the administration of Alex Chioma Otti has facilitated the distribution of critical agricultural inputs to hundreds of farmers under a collaborative initiative between the Abia State Ministry of Agriculture and the African Union Development Agency–NEPAD.
The intervention saw a total of 660 farmers benefiting from the programme, including 340 poultry farmers, 150 fish farmers and 170 vegetable farmers drawn from the 17 Local Government Areas of Abia State. The empowerment programme was formally flagged off at the premises of the Broadcasting Corporation of Abia State in Umuahia.
The initiative forms part of the broader agricultural transformation agenda of the Otti-led administration, designed to reposition agriculture as a major driver of economic growth, food security and rural prosperity. Through this intervention, the state government continues to demonstrate its resolve to strengthen agribusiness, support smallholder farmers and expand food production across Abia.
Representing the Governor at the event, Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, PhD., reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to agricultural development, describing smallholder farmers as the backbone of food security in any nation. He emphasized that the current government recognizes the strategic importance of agriculture in driving inclusive economic growth and improving the livelihoods of rural communities.
According to him, the programme reflects the Governor’s deliberate effort to reposition and rebrand the agricultural sector while laying the foundation for a prosperous and self-sufficient Abia economy. He further noted that any government determined to lead its citizens into a new phase of prosperity must demonstrate clear commitment to agricultural development.
The Governor’s representative also expressed appreciation for the partnership with the African Union Development Agency–NEPAD, describing the initiative as a well-planned intervention that aligns with the administration’s long-term development vision for the state.
He commended the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze, and his team for their commitment to ensuring that Abia farmers receive quality agricultural support. Beneficiaries were also urged to make judicious use of the inputs provided to them in order to maximize productivity and achieve the intended goals of the programme.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Agriculture and State Focal Person for AUDA-NEPAD, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze, FCIB, described the initiative as another significant milestone in the effort of the current administration to reposition agriculture as a major pillar of economic development in Abia State.
He explained that beyond the distribution of inputs, the programme is designed to empower farmers, strengthen food systems and build a resilient agricultural sector capable of supporting the state’s long-term development goals.
The commissioner disclosed that the intervention targeted trained poultry, fisheries and vegetable farmers who had already been captured in the Abia State Agriculture Dynamic Database System (Abia ADDS), a digital platform created to document and support farmers across the state.
Delivering her welcome address, the State Project Coordinator of the AUDA-NEPAD Innovative Strengthening of Smallholder Farmers Initiative, Mrs. Catherine Osondu, commended the Governor for ensuring that Abia State actively participates in the AUDA-NEPAD smallholder farmers programme.
She reminded beneficiaries that the items distributed were not merely gifts but strategic support intended to enhance their agricultural productivity and improve their farming businesses. She encouraged the farmers to apply the inputs effectively to achieve increased yields and better economic outcomes.
Also speaking at the event, the State Technical Consultant on the Abia Agriculture Dynamic Database System, Mr. Emeka Nwachinemerem, revealed that over 53,000 farmers across the 17 Local Government Areas have already been captured on the platform. He added that the process of registering more farmers is ongoing as part of efforts to create a robust and data-driven agricultural support system for farmers in Abia State.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Hafuruchi Joseph expressed appreciation to the state government for the training and empowerment programme. He assured that the farmers would utilize the inputs responsibly in order to increase production and contribute to food security in the state.
The highlight of the event was the symbolic presentation of agricultural inputs to selected beneficiaries. The distributed materials included poultry juveniles, fish fingerlings, fertilizers, livestock feeds and herbicides, all designed to enhance productivity across the poultry, fisheries and vegetable farming value chains.
The programme attracted several government officials and stakeholders, including the Special Adviser to the Governor on Investment Promotion and Public Private Partnership, Chief Green Amankwe, the Special Adviser on Ease of Doing Business, Mrs. Agbonma Ukobasi, former State FADAMA Coordinator and current Supervisor for Agriculture in Isuikwuato Local Government Area, Dr. Ezinne Otuka, alongside other government functionaries.
The initiative further reinforces the commitment of the Abia State Government to building a modern agricultural sector capable of supporting economic growth, creating employment opportunities and guaranteeing sustainable food productio
n for the people of the state.