Abia State Govt. Hosts South East Development Commission (SEDC), Seeks Stronger Partnerships to Boost Agricultural Growth and Rural Development

…as Delegation Affirms Visit was Inspired by the Significant Reforms and Innovative Strides Recorded Under Governor Alex Otti’s Administration, Particularly in the Agricultural Sector.

The Abia State Ministry of Agriculture on Tuesday, December 3, 2025, hosted a high-powered delegation from the South East Development Commission (SEDC) to explore strategic areas of collaboration geared towards transforming agriculture and rural development in the State.

During the meeting, the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze, FCIB, reiterated the unwavering commitment of Governor Alex Otti’s administration to rapid, modern and sustainable agricultural development.

According to him, the present administration is determined to correct decades of underdevelopment in the sector while consolidating on the legacies of iconic agricultural visionaries such as Dr. Michael Okpara and Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe.

Dr. Agbaeze emphasized that the Ministry will strengthen relationships with host communities through a policy focus on reviving and expanding existing farm plantations rather than acquiring fresh lands. He noted that this model will reduce conflicts, maximize land resources, and promote mutual stakeholder benefits.

Speaking further, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Ijeoma Adanma Aguwa, PhD, welcomed the visiting team, commending their interest in Abia and assuring that the Ministry is fully ready for a productive partnership that will drive meaningful impact across rural communities.

Similarly, the State Director of Lands, ESV Mong Uduma, pledged the technical readiness of the Ministry of Lands to provide the necessary professional support to facilitate the initiative.

Leading the visiting delegation, the Executive Director, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Rural Development in SEDC, Dr. Cliff Ogbede, stated that the SEDC was established on January 11, 2025, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to tackle regional developmental challenges. He explained that their visit to Abia was inspired by the significant reforms and innovative strides recorded under Governor Alex Otti’s administration, particularly in the agricultural sector.

Dr. Ogbede revealed that the Commission is keen on supporting the development of mapped-out farm estates across Abia’s three senatorial districts. He highlighted priority areas of intervention including agricultural road mapping, technical collaboration, and counterpart funding to improve infrastructure and enhance productivity across farming communities.

The meeting was attended by several top officials of the Abia State Ministry of Agriculture including the State Director of Agriculture, Dr. Ojo Uma Ojo; Representative of the Acting Surveyor-General, Samuel O. Titilaye; Community Liaison Officer, ESV Ucheibe A. O.; Principal Land Officer, Ministry of Lands, ESV Ikpa Kelechi U.; and Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs. Oluchi Franklin-Oji.

Members of the SEDC delegation present were Engr. Dr. Charles Ajah, Amb. Dr. Timothy Ihemadu, Mr. Nnamdi Umunakwe, and Mr. Olugbenga Fashola.

The visit marks a significant step towards unlocking wider agricultural opportunities and building long-term sustainable development partnerships for rural transfo rmation in Abia State.