ABIA COMMEMORATES 2025 WORLD FOOD DAY AS GOV. ALEX OTTI REAFFIRMS STRATEGIC INVESTMENT IN AGRICULTURE TO DRIVE FOOD SECURITY, JOB CREATION, AND ECONOMIC GROWTH

The Abia State Government has reiterated its unwavering commitment to revolutionizing the agricultural sector as part of its broader economic transformation agenda aimed at achieving food security, job creation, and sustainable economic growth.

Governor Alex Otti, speaking through the Secretary to the State Government (SSG(, Professor Kenneth Kalu, made this known on Thursday during the 2025 World Food Day celebration, organized by the State Ministry of Agriculture at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Umuahia. The event, themed “Hand in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future,” brought together policymakers, farmers, agripreneurs, and development partners to reaffirm collective action toward a food-secure Abia.

Governor Otti emphasized that agriculture contributes nearly 30 percent of Abia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), making it a critical pillar of the state’s economic agenda. He explained that his administration’s deliberate investments in the sector are designed to expand agricultural production, enhance farmers’ welfare, and ensure sustainable food availability across the state.

According to the Governor, the ongoing construction of rural access roads under his administration is strategically intended to connect farm settlements with markets, thereby reducing post-harvest losses and boosting farmers’ income. He urged farmers to embrace modern agricultural practices, moving beyond subsistence to embrace mechanized and commercial farming capable of meeting both local and export demands.

Governor Otti reaffirmed that his government would continue to empower farmers through improved seedlings, plantation development, mechanization, and enhanced market access. He described Abia’s agricultural policy as one rooted in partnership, innovation, and inclusiveness, urging all stakeholders to play their roles with dedication and integrity in building a food-secure Abia.

In his address, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze, FCIB, described the celebration as a moment of reflection on global hunger, malnutrition, and food insecurity. He disclosed that over 700 million people worldwide currently suffer from hunger, making food system resilience a shared responsibility.

Dr. Agbaeze announced the introduction of the Abia State Agricultural Dynamic Database, a geo-referenced data system developed to accurately capture information on farmers, farms, and agricultural activities across the state. He said the system has enhanced the equitable distribution of seeds, fertilizers, and farm tools, eliminating duplication and leakages.

Highlighting some of the administration’s milestones, the Commissioner cited the success of the Oriental Pilot Rice Farm, which has enabled all-season rice cultivation through improved irrigation, high-yield seeds, and better extension services. He also revealed that the government was scaling up youth demonstration farms, agri-estates, and empowerment schemes that have already absorbed hundreds of youths and women into productive ventures.

To strengthen the agricultural ecosystem, Dr. Agbaeze noted that the state government is investing in modern machinery through cooperative clusters and service centers to ensure no farmer is left behind. He further disclosed plans to deepen access to credit through cooperatives, facilitate farmers’ connection with institutional funders, and expand insurance coverage against climate-induced risks such as floods and droughts.

The Commissioner added that Abia was integrating climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy systems, and early warning mechanisms to promote all-year farming. He stressed that the state is fast becoming a preferred destination for both local and international agricultural investors, thanks to Governor Otti’s transparent governance and enabling business environment.

Representing the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the Abia State Coordinator, Mr. Chibuzo Mba, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s dedication to strengthening food security nationwide. He commended Abia’s strategic initiatives, noting that collaboration between federal and state actors remains essential to improving food systems and ensuring equitable access to nutrition.

Mr. Mba acknowledged that persistent challenges such as climate change, food inflation, insecurity, and poor infrastructure continue to affect food production. However, he disclosed that the Federal Government has begun implementing policies to reduce food imports, enhance value chains, and strengthen the national food supply system for greater efficiency and resilience.

In their goodwill messages, the leader of the Abia Women Farmers Association, Mrs. Precious Uwaoma, and the representative of CSS Farmers, Mr. Uma Kalu, applauded Governor Otti’s visionary leadership in repositioning agriculture as a cornerstone of economic recovery and rural development. They pledged the full support of farmers across the state to the Otti administration’s agricultural transformation drive.

The 2025 World Food Day commemoration in Abia State underscored the collective resolve of government, farmers, and development partners to work hand in hand toward a food-secure, self-reliant, and prosperous Abia where agriculture becomes not just a means of survival but a driver of wealth creat ion and industrial growth.