…Federal Government Applauds Abia’s Agricultural Revolution

Abia State has taken another significant step towards advancing the Federal Government’s agricultural transformation agenda with the official flag-off of the Abia State Farmers’ Input Support Programme.
This is an initiative designed to empower 18,634 verified farmers across the state’s 17 Local Government Areas with improved farm inputs aimed at boosting food production, creating jobs and strengthening food security.

Flagging off the programme at the Umuahia Township Stadium, Governor Dr. Alex Otti, described agriculture as a critical pillar of economic diversification and sustainable development, reaffirming his administration’s determination to transform the sector from subsistence farming to commercially driven agriculture.

The programme, themed “Improved Inputs, Increased Yields, Sustainable Prosperity for Farmers,” aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda on agriculture, which prioritises increased food production, food security, poverty reduction, youth employment and sustainable economic growth through strategic investments in the agricultural sector.

Governor Otti announced that the programme, initially designed to benefit 17,000 farmers, was expanded to 18,634 beneficiaries following a successful farmers’ registration and verification exercise that produced a comprehensive Agricultural Dynamic Database System.
According to the Governor, the digital database guarantees transparency and accountability by ensuring that only genuine farmers with identifiable farmlands benefit from government interventions.
“We started with data gathering because we wanted to map every farmer to a farm. We now have a comprehensive database of our farmers. If we cannot identify you, we won’t be able to support you,” Governor Otti stated, while encouraging unregistered farmers to take advantage of the ongoing registration exercise.

He reiterated that although government would continue supporting smallholder farmers, the long-term objective is to develop commercial agriculture capable of driving industrial-scale food production and economic prosperity.
“Agriculture is a veritable business. We are aggressively promoting commercial agriculture because it holds the key to food security, employment generation and wealth creation,” the Governor said.
Governor Otti further disclosed that transportation had been provided to ensure beneficiaries convey the distributed farm inputs to their farms at no additional cost, describing farmers as indispensable partners in the state’s development agenda.
He also revealed that the favourable investment climate created by his administration has continued to attract major investors into the agricultural sector, including a multinational palm oil company that has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Abia State Government to invest up to 200 million US dollars in agricultural development.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze, explained that all farm inputs—including improved varieties of cassava, maize, rice, plantain, sweet potatoes, pepper and tomato seedlings, organic fertilisers and herbicides—were fully funded by the state government and would be distributed free of charge.
He disclosed that 3,312 farmers received their inputs during the flag-off ceremony, while the remaining 15,322 beneficiaries would collect theirs through their respective Local Government Councils.
Dr. Agbaeze added that beneficiaries would also receive training and extension services to enable them adopt modern farming practices, increase productivity, improve livelihoods and transition from subsistence to commercial agriculture.

Delivering the keynote address, the Executive Director of the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike, Professor Chiedozie Egesi, described the programme as a major milestone in Abia’s agricultural transformation and a practical demonstration that agriculture has regained its rightful place as a priority in the state’s development agenda.
He commended Governor Otti’s visionary leadership and praised the establishment of the Agricultural Dynamic Database System, noting that it guarantees transparency while ensuring that government support reaches genuine farmers.
Professor Egesi stressed that agriculture remains the foundation of Nigeria’s future and aligns squarely with the Federal Government’s commitment to achieving national food sufficiency, reducing dependence on food imports and expanding the agricultural value chain.
He observed that Abia possesses the fertile soils, strategic location and natural resources required to become the agricultural hub of the South-East and one of Nigeria’s leading agri-food production centres if sustained investments continue.
The NRCRI boss reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to partnering with the Abia State Government in agricultural research, improved planting materials, mechanisation, technology transfer and farmers’ capacity building to strengthen food security and create sustainable wealth for farming communities.

In her goodwill message, the Vice-Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Professor Ursula Ngozi Akanwa, applauded Governor Otti’s deliberate investments in agriculture, innovation and youth development.
She described the initiative as a strategic intervention that would improve productivity, strengthen agricultural value chains, enhance rural livelihoods and support sustainable food systems.
Professor Akanwa reaffirmed the University’s readiness to collaborate with the Abia State Government and relevant stakeholders in advancing climate-smart agriculture, agricultural research, technology transfer and extension services.

The programme featured the distribution of agricultural inputs to beneficiaries and the inspection of agricultural produce exhibitions by Governor Otti and other dignitaries.
The initiative underscores the complementary roles of the Federal and Abia State Governments in driving agricultural development. This also demonstrates how strategic investments, innovation and strong partnerships can accelerate food security, stimulate rural economies, create employment opportunities and advance Nigeria’s agricultural transformation agenda.

… Government Begins Okada Ban Enforcement

Alex Otti’s administration intensifies rescue efforts, rolls out tougher transport regulations and unveils public complaint system to strengthen safety across the state.
The abduction of two school children by a suspected child trafficker in Umuosu Nsulu has cast fresh attention on public safety in Abia State, as the state government officially commenced enforcement of restrictions on commercial motorcycle operations in designated parts of Umuahia, Aba and Ohafia to curb insecurity and protect lives.

Speaking at a press briefing on following the State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti at Government House, Umuahia.The Commissioner for Information Prince Okey Kanu, said the enforcement marks another decisive step in the administration’s comprehensive strategy to improve security and public order across the state.

Providing an update on the disturbing incident involving the missing pupils, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Navy Commander MacDonald Ubah (Rtd.), disclosed that the government has activated a coordinated rescue operation involving security agencies within and outside Abia State.

According to Ubah, five pupils accepted a free ride from an unidentified tricycle operator shortly after school at Umuosu Nsulu. The suspect allegedly stopped on the way and sent three of the children to buy fuel before driving off with the remaining two.

Describing the incident as a classic case of child trafficking, Ubah said security agencies initially pursued intelligence that led operatives to Ngor-Okpala in Imo State, but the information turned out to be false.

He added that the Commissioner of Police has established collaboration with neighbouring state commands as investigations intensify.
“This is a matter of grave concern to every parent and to the government. We are deploying every available resource to ensure the children are found safely and those responsible are brought to justice,” he assured.

Against the backdrop of growing security concerns, Prince Kanu announced the commencement of enforcement of restrictions on commercial motorcycle operations in designated areas of the state.
He recalled that the exercise was originally scheduled to begin on June 22 but was postponed by one week to June 29 following Governor Alex Otti’s directive, allowing operators additional time to regularise their operations and comply with the new regulatory framework.

“The government understands that thousands of hardworking citizens depend on commercial motorcycles for their daily livelihood. However, the safety and security of the people must always remain paramount,” the Commissioner said.

He stressed that no economic or political consideration can outweigh the value of human life, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to ensuring that residents can live, work and move freely in a secure environment.
Prince Kanu announced that violators of the restriction would pay a ₦20,000 penalty, while impounded motorcycles would only be released after owners satisfy all statutory registration, documentation and verification requirements.

He clarified that privately owned motorcycles that are duly registered in Abia State remain exempted from the restriction but are prohibited from carrying passengers. Commercial operators permitted to operate within approved jurisdictions, he added, must wear officially approved Abia State Government identification vests.

The Commissioner further disclosed that all motorcycles, tricycles and commercial vehicles operating in the state must be properly registered and documented in line with government regulations.
To reinforce transparency during enforcement, the government has established a toll-free public complaints system through which residents can report cases of misconduct, extortion, abuse or any other infractions involving security personnel and members of the Abia State Harmonized Task Force.

Residents can access the toll-free lines on 0800000232, 08001235555 and 08002225242, while the Abia State Harmonized Task Force can be reached on 08067955559, 08050725566 and 09122223825.
Prince Kanu appealed to transport operators, community leaders and residents to cooperate with the authorities, noting that the policy is designed to protect lives, preserve public peace and create a safer environment for all.

The Commissioner also highlighted ongoing infrastructure development across the state, revealing that the Ministry of Works executed direct labour projects at 14 locations between June 16 and June 29, completing five road projects and adding another to its maintenance programme.
Among the completed projects are the 1.19-kilometre Obikabia–Umueleke Road (Phase One) in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area, the 550-metre Uzoma–Ohokobe–Afara-Ohokobe Road to Polycon Junction off Aba Road, Chief Nkoro Street to Udeagbala Road in Aba, rainy season maintenance works on Ojari Road in Arochukwu, and desilting works along Faulks Road in Aba.

He also announced the commencement of the Green Avenue Square project in Aba and disclosed that 24 additional road projects are currently under construction across the state, with contractors making significant progress.
“The state government remains resolute in delivering quality infrastructure while strengthening security and protecting the welfare of every resident,” Prince Kanu stated.

The Abia State Judicial Panel of Inquiry on the Recovery of Government Properties and Funds, led by Hon. Justice Florence Ikwuoma Duruoha-Igwe (Rtd), has paid a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), Prof. Ursula Ngọzi Akanwa, commending her remarkable achievements within her first 100 days in office.

Speaking on behalf of the Panel, Hon. Justice Duruoha-Igwe described Prof. Akanwa as a disciplined, dedicated, intentional, and result-oriented administrator whose commitment to duty has always distinguished her. She noted that the Panel was not surprised by the impressive records already recorded by the Vice-Chancellor, recalling her exemplary service as a member of the Panel.

While congratulating Prof. Akanwa on her emergence as the 7th substantive Vice-Chancellor of MOUAU, the retired jurist said the delegation came to encourage her, celebrate her achievements, and assure her of their continued support.
“You demonstrated a strong zeal to learn, worked diligently, conducted thorough cross-examinations, stood firm on matters of principle, and exhibited integrity and fairness during your service on the Panel. We urge you to bring the same qualities to bear in your administration of the University,” she stated.

Responding, Prof. Akanwa expressed gratitude to the Abia State Government, led by Governor Alex Otti, for the confidence reposed in members of the Panel to serve the state. She noted that the assignment was not intended as an act of vendetta or witch-hunt, but rather a genuine effort to promote accountability, transparency, and good governance in the state.

The Vice-Chancellor also thanked the delegation for the visit and reflected on the strong bond, unity of purpose, integrity, and fairness that characterized the work of the Panel throughout its two-year tenure from 2023 to 2025.

Prof. Ursula Ngọzi Akanwa, the 7th Vice-Chancellor, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, served as a member of the Abia State Judicial Panel of Inquiry on the Recovery of Government Properties and Funds inaugurated by Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti on June 27, 2023, and concluded its assignment in September 2025.