FG MOVES TO SUPPORT ABA TEXTILE, GARMENT BUSINESSES, BOOST AGRICULTURE IN ABIA

By Ezechukwu Adimoha

The Special Adviser to the President on Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr John Uwajimogu says the Federal Government is exploring ways of supporting businesses within the textiles ,garment and Agricultural sectors of the state.

Mr. Uwajimogu who stated this when he called on the State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, at Nvosi Isialangwa South Local government area said the delegation was in the state to deepen engagement with the government and explore areas of collaboration that could attract federal projects and investment opportunities to the state.

He said the Federal Government has taken note of the strong industrial capacity of Aba, particularly in textiles and garments, and was looking at ways to support businesses in the sector by addressing some of the major constraints affecting their operations.

The Special Adviser said the Federal Government’s interest in Aba’s textile and garment industry was driven by the need to strengthen businesses in the sector and remove constraints that could limit their productivity, particularly inadequate infrastructure and access to finance.

He said his decision to engage with the State Government wss informed by the development initiatives being undertaken by Governor Otti and the opportunities they presented for collaboration.

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), Mr Cornelius Adebayo, described Governor Alex Otti as a performer and reformer, stressing that NALDA’s core mandate was poverty alleviation through agriculture, noting that the Authority is seeking the support of the State Government, particularly in providing land for its Renewed Hope Mega Farm Estate programme.

Responding, the Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, expressed readiness of his administration to collaborate with the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) and other stakeholders to unlock the agricultural potential of the State.

He noted that Abia, despite its limited landmass, possesses fertile and arable land capable of supporting the cultivation of crops including cassava, yam, cocoyam, palm and cashew.

The Governor, who said the initiative resonates with his administration’s vision, noted that food importation places additional pressure on the foreign exchange market and stressed the need to revive local production through deliberate investment in agriculture.

Governor Otti directed the Commissioners for Agriculture and Land to examine available locations, including existing farm settlements and other suitable areas, while also exploring ways to strengthen the operations of the agency’s office in Osisioma.