GOV OTTI FLAGS OFF AUDA-NEPAD PROGRAM, DESCRIBES SMALLHOLDER FARMERS AS THE BACKBONE OF OUR FOOD PRODUCTION

The Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency Dr. Alex Chioma Otti,OFR, has assured Abia farmers and development partners in the agricultural sector of government’s full support to achieve food sufficiency.

Dr. Otti made this known during the flag off ceremony of the African Union Development Agency-New Partnership For Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD) Innovative Strengthening of Smallholder Farmers Initiative in Abia State.

Represented by his deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, Otti described the event as a testament of commitment, both from our state and from the African Union, to transform agriculture, strengthen our rural economy, and improve the livelihoods of our hardworking smallholder farmers.

He noted that “Abia has not only been selected as one of the seven pilot states for this continental initiative but has also fulfilled its counterpart funding obligations, thereby showing seriousness and readiness to embrace agricultural innovation”.

He regretted that though smallholder farmers form the backbone of our food production, they face challenges of access to finance, modern farming techniques, extension services and reliable markets. Joyfully, “the AUDA-NEPAD program seeks to address these gaps by equipping our farmers with new knowledge and technologies, improving productivity and food security, enhancing incomes and reducing poverty in our rural communities as well as strengthening our state’s agricultural value chains to make them globally competitive”, Otti stated.

The Governor expressed confidence that with determination, our farmers will no longer remain at the margins but at the very center of agricultural growth and prosperity.

In his welcome address, the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and focal person AUDA-NEPAD Abia State, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze described the program as a landmark initiative that is designed to support, empower and uplift these smallholder farmers through the provision of modern improved inputs, training, impactful agricultural and climate smart practices as well as structured market access to enhance productivity,
cut post harvest losses and secure higher more dependable income.

He revealed that the program is strategically aimed at improving food security, creating jobs and generating wealth for our teeming population. Dr. Agbaeze noted that a total of 17,000 households are targeted for support across the 17 local government areas of the state with the pilot scheme having 1,000 farmers. He appreciated the Governor for providing the counterpart funding for the program and described the event as a celebration of excellence, resilience and the boundless potential of Abia people. He further encouraged the beneficiaries to embrace this golden opportunity with dedication and diligence while assuring AUDA-NEPAD national office that the program in Abia will yield remarkable results.

Presenting a remark on behalf of the National Coordinator and CEO of AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria, Hon. Jabiru Salisu Abdullahi Tsauri, the Director Program and Implementation, Hajia Fatima Abubakar Ibrahim stated that Abia State was selected as one of the pioneer 7 pilot states that received grants under the smallholder farmers program. She noted that it is “a testament to the potentials and promises domiciled within the agricultural communities in Abia State”. Hajia Ibrahim highlighted that the program aims to enhance farming practices, increase our potential and ultimately improve lives and prosperity of Abia people.

She called for a proper utilization of the fund with utmost effectiveness and efficiency in all the farming sectors as its successful implementation will undoubtedly strengthen the position of Abia State for other transformative initiatives such as the ambitious solar powered lightning of one million houses, bringing light and opportunities to our communities.

In his remark, the Mayor of Isiukwuato Local Government Area and Chairman ALGON Abia State, Hon. Chinedu Ekeke underscored the need to give smallholder farmers the necessary support they deserve.

“We must ensure that the smallholder farmer does two things better; produces more food and then makes more money from farming. And I have sat here throughout this period and I.have seen that that is actually the target of this program- to ensure that the rural smallholder farmer produces more through improved inputs, improved techniques and then when there is more food, the offtakers will also be made available so that from production you go to the market. And then our people will have more money in their pockets, more food to feed themselves, more food to feed their children and their neighbors and their entire community. That’s basically what I understand this to be”, Ekeke stated.

He noted that Mayors across the state are diving into agriculture with at least 14LGAs engaging in two special agricultural programs each, aimed at boosting food sufficiency and generating income. He told the audience that in his council, he is embarking on a 50-hecter cassava farming to improve livelihood and create wealth.

The event was well attended by top government functionaries, traditional rulers,Abia farmers and stakeholders in the agricultural sector.

Sir Cyril Chukwudi Eke Mba, KSJI
Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Abia State
August 21, 2025.