We Are Deliberately Investing In Agriculture – Gov. Otti

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has reaffirmed that his administration is deliberately investing in agriculture to drive food security, create jobs, and boost the state’s economy.

Speaking during the commemoration of the 2025 World Food Day, themed “Hand in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future”, held at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, Governor Otti emphasized that agriculture remains a major contributor to the state’s economy, accounting for nearly 30 percent of Abia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Kenneth Kalu, Governor Otti said his administration views agriculture as a critical pillar of Abia’s economic transformation agenda. He explained that ongoing investments in rural infrastructure, including new access roads, are designed to ease the movement of farm produce to markets, increase farmers’ earnings, and strengthen food supply chains.

“We are moving towards a higher level where you produce, process, and export,” Otti stated, urging farmers to embrace commercial farming, hard work, and honesty as key to supporting the government’s food security drive.

He noted that the state government is providing farmers with improved seedlings, mechanisation support, market access, and investment in plantations to enhance productivity and profitability.

In his address, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze, described the World Food Day celebration as a reminder of the global challenges of hunger and malnutrition, with about 700 million people currently affected.

Dr. Agbaeze highlighted the introduction of the Abia State Agricultural Dynamic Database, a geo-referenced system for tracking farmers, farms, and activities to improve planning and targeted interventions. He explained that this innovation has enhanced efficiency in the distribution of inputs such as seeds, fertilisers, and equipment, minimising waste and mismanagement.

The Commissioner also revealed that the success of the Oriental Pilot Rice Farm has positioned Abia to achieve all-season rice production through improved seeds, mechanisation, and better extension services.

He announced government plans to expand school feeding programmes using locally produced food, while also promoting youth and women empowerment through demonstration farms, cooperative clusters, and agri-estates.

According to him, the state is strengthening access to agricultural credit and insurance, supporting irrigation development, and integrating climate-smart agricultural practices to ensure sustainability.

Dr. Agbaeze further disclosed that Abia is now attracting local and international investors, positioning the state as a rising hub for mechanised agriculture in Nigeria.

Also speaking, the Abia Coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Chibuzo Mba, commended farmers for their resilience and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening food security nationwide.

He noted that the Ministry is implementing new policies to reduce food imports, improve value chains, and stabilise the national food supply system despite challenges like inflation, conflict, and poor infrastructure.

In their goodwill messages, Mrs. Precious Uwaoma, leader of the Abia Women Farmers Association, and Mr. Uma Kalu of CSS Farmers, applauded the Otti administration for its consistent support to the agricultural sector. They pledged the continued cooperation of farmers in advancing the state’s agricultural vision.

Governor Otti’s renewed focus on agriculture reflects his administration’s long-term strategy to make Abia a food-secure, economically vibrant, and self-sustaining state.