The Abia State Government has reaffirmed its readiness to collaborate with the Anambra–Imo River Basin Development Authority (AIRBDA) to drive agricultural revitalisation and economic growth in the state.
Governor Alex Otti made this commitment while receiving members of the AIRBDA Management Committee, led by its Chairman, Senator Emmanuel Anosike, at Nvosi in Isialangwa South Local Government Area.
Welcoming the delegation, Governor Otti commended the Authority for prioritising Abia State in its engagement tour and assured them of his administration’s full support in fostering a productive partnership. He emphasised that agriculture remains a critical pillar of Nigeria’s economy and a major focus of his government’s development agenda.
The Governor disclosed that his administration has begun identifying, reclaiming, and reviving long-abandoned farm settlements across the state as part of efforts to strengthen agricultural productivity. He noted that Abia is deliberately transitioning from subsistence farming to a value-chain-driven agricultural system that promotes processing and value addition.
“We are moving away from subsistence farming to a full value-chain approach, from primary production to processing and final products for the market. Instead of selling cocoa, for instance, we want to sell chocolate,” Governor Otti stated.
He also highlighted significant improvements in the power sector, revealing that nine of the state’s 17 local government areas now enjoy steady electricity supply, with plans underway to extend reliable power to the entire state. According to him, the improved power situation has already boosted economic activities, particularly in Aba and Umuahia.
To ensure effective implementation of the partnership, Governor Otti announced the establishment of a joint technical committee and directed the Commissioners for Agriculture, Lands, and Environment, alongside the Managing Director of the Abia State Investment Agency, to liaise directly with the AIRBDA. He urged the team to focus on achievable, results-driven outcomes, reiterating that Abia State is open for business.
Earlier, Senator Anosike explained that the visit was part of a broader tour of South-East states aimed at introducing members of the Management Committee and identifying areas of collaboration. He said the delegation chose to begin in Abia State despite the Authority’s headquarters being located in Imo State, citing Abia’s strategic importance, particularly in agriculture, which aligns with the Authority’s core mandate.
Senator Anosike referenced the Federal Government’s declaration of a state of emergency on food security, stressing the importance of strong partnerships between federal agencies and state governments to revitalise agricultural production. He expressed concern over the decline in productivity on more than 1,300 hectares of farmland previously used for rice, cassava, and fish farming across the South-East, attributing the situation to weakened collaboration with state governments.
He appealed to the Abia State Government to support efforts to revive these agricultural assets for the benefit of the region and reaffirmed the Authority’s willingness to work closely with the state and the South-East Development Commission.
Senator Anosike also commended Governor Otti for the visible improvements in infrastructure across Abia State and praised his commitment to leaving the state better than he met it.
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