South East breaking News
Abia State Governor Dr Alex Otti has flagged-off the Innovative Strengthening of Smallholders Farmers Initiatives of the African Union Development Agency(AUDA-NEPAD),while assuring Abia Farmers as well as the development partners AUDA-NEPAD of full support of the State government.
The Governor,who was represented by his Deputy Engr.Ikechukwu Emetu during the ceremony on Thursday 21st August,2025 held at JAAC Auditorium, Umuahia,said the event shows strong commitment,both from Abia State government and the African Union to use agriculture innovations to improve rural economy and Smallholders farmers’ productivity.
He noted that it is the passion his administration has for agricultural development and food security that has positioned Abia State among the leading states in Nigeria,adding that the State had not only been selected as one of the seven pilot states for the initiative but has shown readiness by fulfilled its counterpart funding obligations.
” Under this leadership Abia has not only been selected as one of the seven pilot states for this continental initiative but has also fulfilled its counterpart funding obligations,thereby showing seriousness and readiness to embrace agricultural innovation.
” I want to assure AUDA- NEPAID, our development partners and especially our farmers that this program will receive the full support of the State government” he stated.
Governor Otti also charged Abia farmers, especially the Smallholders farmers to embrace the program with open hearts, commitment and adopt the new methods to enhance their productivity and economy.
The State Project Coordinator,Osondu Catherine, thanked Abia farmers from the 17 LGAs of State for their resilience ,said the initiative will give Abia Smallholders Farmers access to information on modern agricultural methods on how to improve productivity.
The National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of AUDA-NEPAD, Hon. Jabiru Salisu Abdullahi Tsauri, represented by Mrs Agyin Fatima Ibrahim, explained that the program would help farmers in Abia State to increase productivity, while improving their economy.
She recommended the opportunity to all farmers and enjoined them to work together with dedication to ensure the success of the program.
Earlier, the Abia State Focal person AUDA-NEPAD and Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Cliff Agbaeze, said despite limited resources,over ninety percent of Nigerian farmers operate on a small scale and yet feed the nation,adding that the initiative is designed to support, empower, and uplift Smallholders farmers through provision of modern,improved inputs, training in agricultural and climate smart practices to enhance productivity.
He revealed that a total of 17,000 households are targeted for support across the 17 LGAs starting with the first 1000 in this pilot phase.
Dr Agbaeze expressed appreciation to Governor Otti for his love for agriculture and resolve to reposition Abia State on a path of sustainable growth in all sector of the economy.
In their separate speeches, the permanent Secretary ministry of agriculture Dr Ijeoma Adanma Aguwa,the Mayor of Isuikwuato LGA, Mr Chinedu Ekeke ,the immediate past National Coordinator and CEO of AUDA-NEPAD,Princess Gloria .
Akobundu said the program reaffirms Abia government commitment to agriculture and applauded Governor Otti for his full support to the program.
The program attracted farmers from the 17 LGAs of Abia State who came in their numbers.
