The blissful event which kept beaming smiles on the faces of the beneficiaries was witnesses by the Abia State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze, Olatunde Bunmi Ogunleye, representative of LIFE-ND National Project Coordinator (NPC) and other stakeholders.
According to Dr. Uchenna Onyeizu, the State Project Coordinator (SPC) of Abia LIFE-ND in his speech said 332 beneficiaries will also be empowered with inputs for production while the grand total number of persons expected to be empowered in the current additional financing of LIFE-ND project of 2025 incubation year is 608.
Dr. Onyeizu also acknowledge the achievement of Abia LIFE-ND as one of the success story of the visionary leadership of Governor Alex Otti, whose administration he described as ‘‘redefined governance” with a strong emphasis on productivity, economic inclusion, and agricultural transformation.
Dr. Onyeizu said with Governor Otti’s leadership, ”agriculture in Abia State is no longer treated as a subsistence activity but as a strategic economic driver.’’
‘‘His administration has recorded notable achievements that continue to strengthen agricultural development in the state. These include the aggressive rehabilitation of rural road networks, which has drastically improved farm-to-market access, reduced post-harvest losses, and enhanced the profitability of agribusinesses. Beyond infrastructure, the Governor has prioritized ease of doing business in agriculture by promoting private sector participation, strengthening value chains, and supporting agribusiness financing initiatives.’’ Dr. Onyeizu added.
The commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Agbaeze in his remark applauded the efforts of LIFE-ND for joining the quest of fighting food insecurity which he described as ‘‘the worst form of insecurity’’ in a state and country. He charged the beneficiaries to use the knowledge acquired to increase agro productivity in the state and country at large as he described them as ‘‘the new revolution of agriculture in Abia state.’’
Dr. Agbaeze also added that the administration of Governor Alex Otti is committed to policies and programs that will enhance agricultural productivity, create employment and improve livelihood.
‘‘We will continue to support LIFE-ND initiative that aligns with our vision of a prosperous and food secured state.’’, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze said.
Olatunde Bunmi Ogunleye, the representative of the LIFE-ND National Project Coordinator (NPC), Engr. Dr. Sanni Abiodun, in his speech stated that the core responsibility of the national body of LIFE-ND project is monitoring. He thanked Abia state government for creating the enabling environment for the LIFE-ND to thrive. He congratulated the beneficiaries and reminded that one of the goals of the project is to transform the rural economy. He charged them to take cognizance of the agricultural seasons within their choice of agro training and utilize the planting and harvesting seasons for maximum production.
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