Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has assured farmers in the state of his administration’s unwavering support as he flagged off the Innovative Strengthening of Smallholder Farmers Initiative of the African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD).
Represented by his Deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, at the JAAC Auditorium, Umuahia, the Governor reaffirmed his government’s commitment to agricultural development as a pathway to food security and economic growth. He noted that Abia, chosen as one of seven pilot states for the programme, had already demonstrated readiness by fulfilling its counterpart funding obligations.
“I want to assure AUDA-NEPAD, our development partners, and especially our farmers that this programme will receive the full support of the State Government,” Otti said.
Speaking on behalf of the AUDA-NEPAD National Coordinator, Hon. Jabiru Salisbury Abdullahi Tsauri, Mrs. Again Fatima Ibrahim explained that the initiative would boost food production and strengthen Abia’s economy. She urged farmers to embrace the opportunity and work collectively for its success.
The State Commissioner for Agriculture and AUDA-NEPAD focal person, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze, highlighted that more than 90 percent of Nigeria’s farmers are smallholders, yet they feed the nation. He said the initiative would support and empower them through modern inputs, training, and climate-smart agricultural practices. According to him, 17,000 farmers across Abia’s 17 LGAs are targeted, starting with 1,000 beneficiaries in the pilot phase.
The State Project Coordinator, Mrs. Osundu Catherine, commended farmers for their resilience and said the initiative would improve access to modern agricultural knowledge and practices.
Other speakers—including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs. Ijeoma Adanma Aguwa, the Mayor of Isiukwuato LGA, Mr. Chinedu Ekeke, and former AUDA-NEPAD CEO, Princess Gloria Akobundu—praised the Otti administration for prioritizing agricultural development.
Farmers, including Sir Christian Ahukanna and Elder Monday Chigbu, lauded the Governor and AUDA-NEPAD for initiating the programme, describing it as a major step toward food security and farmer empowerment.
Stakeholders such as Chief Charity Ocholu, Mr. Uba Augustine, and Mr. Godwin Chiori, also emphasized the role of smallholder farmers as the backbone of agricultural rejuvenation and sustainable development.
The initiative is expected to enhance farm productivity, improve livelihoods, and
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