ABIA govt. to explore it’s Agricultural potentials,Sets up c’ttee to lead Agricultural revolution

By Ezechukwu Adimoha

ABIA state Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has announced plans to explore the state’s agricultural potential as part of efforts to drive industrialization, achieve food security and position the state as a net exporter of agricultural produce.

Gov. Alex Otti at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture

The Governor equally announced plans to constitute a steering committee comprising representatives of the state government, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), and other relevant stakeholders to develop a practical framework for harnessing the state’s abundant agricultural opportunities.

Governor Otti who made the announcement while speaking at the third edition of the Michael Okpara Memorial Lecture Series held at the university, where he emphasised the need to combine the agricultural vision of the Premier of the defunct Eastern Region,late Dr Michael Okpara with modern technology to transform agriculture into a major driver of the state’s economic growth.

The Governor explained that the initiative would bring together the state government, the university and the guest lecturer to develop a coordinated approach to agricultural development, noting that the proposed team would work towards identifying agricultural opportunities that could deliver measurable results within six months to one year.

He said the government would determine the best approach to developing the identified commodities, stressing that the objective was to move beyond subsistence farming to technology-driven commercial agriculture capable of generating employment, attracting investment and increasing the state’s revenue base.

The Governor called for the integration of the late Dr Michael Iheonukara Okpara’s agricultural vision with modern technology to drive industrialisation, food self-sufficiency and economic growth.

He said the initiative would begin with the Ulonna farm settlements, with the objective of moving beyond subsistence farming to large-scale agricultural production and positioning Abia as a net exporter of agricultural produce.

“I want us to start with the Ulonna farm settlements. We may not go back to what Michael Okpara did in his days.

“We want to take it to this level now, where we introduce technology, and we don’t only want to be self-sufficient in food production; we want to be a net exporter of food from Abia State”, Governor Otti said.

The Governor called for the adoption of modern technologies, including drones, artificial intelligence and robotics, to improve productivity and strengthen agricultural value chains.

He cited Ethiopia’s agricultural development as an example Nigeria could learn from and recounted how his recent visit to the country had challenged his perception of what was possible in the sector.

Governor Otti expressed optimism that Nigeria could still achieve substantial progress, noting that the late Michael Okpara had established agricultural development initiatives in the 1960s that remained relevant to contemporary challenges.

The governor urged MOUAU and other stakeholders to support the initiative by translating research findings into practical solutions for farming and agro-industrial development.

He also welcomed a proposal by the guest lecturer to establish an agricultural technology hub at the university, saying it could complement the state government’s plans to promote technology-driven agriculture.

The Chairman on the occasion and oil magnet, Prince Arthur Eze, represented by Dr Emeka Eze, described Governor Otti as an icon and banner carrier of the modern Alaigbo whose antecedents in governance has a resemblance of the Dr Michael Okpara who turned the then Eastern region into an industrialised region, creating employments to young people and led with conviction.

In her address, the Vice-Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Professor Ursula Akanwa, described the former Premier of the defunct Eastern Region, Dr Michael Okpara as a symbol of purposeful leadership and agricultural transformation, having demonstrated how agriculture could drive economic growth, industrialisation, employment and social development.

The Vice Chancellor who highlighted the potential of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, precision farming, biotechnology and digital agricultural markets, to boost productivity, said the university is committed to translating the legacy of the late Dr Michael Okpara, into practical solutions.

Delivering a lecture on the theme of the event, “Leveraging Technology in Agriculture: Building Digital Rails for Food Security,Agro-Enterprise and Financial Inclusion,”, a Guest lecturer, Mr Seyi Ebenezer, called on Nigerians, particularly young people, to rethink agriculture by embracing technology, digital innovation and modern business models rather than viewing farming solely through the traditional lens of land cultivation.

He urged students and aspiring entrepreneurs to explore opportunities in drone technology, automated irrigation, artificial intelligence, supply-chain logistics and cross-border financial technology to transform agriculture into a more productive and profitable venture.

Ebenezer also commended Governor Alex Otti for transforming Abia State, noting that the negative narratives previously associated with the state were gradually disappearing.

The 3rd Michael Okpara Memorial Lecture which featured unveiling of the Michael Okpara statue at the University main gate,brought together academicians, government officials, business leaders, policymakers, students and other stakeholders to examine how technology could strengthen food security, agribusiness and financial inclusion.