ABIA – Governor Alex Otti, says his administration is seriously working on transiting the state from subsistence farming to a value-chain system of Agriculture with emphasis on processing and value addition to improving the revenue base of the state.
Governor Otti who stated this when he received in audience the Management Committee of the Anambra-Imo River Basin Development Authority, led by its Chairman, Senator Emmanuel Anosike, at Nvosi Isialangwa South LGA, promised that his government will work closely with the Authority for the benefit of the state and the South East region in general.
The Governor also pledged his administration’s full commitment to a collaborating with the Anambra-Imo River Basin Development Authority (AIRBDA), with a focus on transforming the State’s Agricultural sector and other areas of interest.
The Governor while welcoming the delegation to the state, commended their decision to prioritise the State in their engagements, noted that Agriculture remains the mainstay of the Nigerian economy and a central pillar of economic development for his administration.
He outlined his administration’s efforts already underway, which includes identifying, reclaiming and revitalizing long abandoned farm settlements across the State.
He also highlighted major achievements of his administration in the Power Sector haven succeeded in taking over power generation, distribution for NERC through the creation of the Abia state Electricity Regulatory Authority, noting that the development has greatly stimulated economic activities in Aba, Umuahia and environs.
He used the forum to establish a joint technical committee to crystallise the partnership and directed the Commissioners for Agriculture, Lands, Environment, and the Managing Director of the Abia State Public-Private Partnership and Investment Promotion, to engage directly with the Anambra-Imo River Basin Development Authority to identify and deliver achievable results.
Earlier in his address, the Chairman, Anambra-Imo River Basin Development Authority, Senator Anosike, explained that the delegation’s visit to Abia State was part of a tour of South-East States to introduce the Committee Members and explore areas of possible collaboration.
Senator Anosike while noting that although the headquarters of the Commission is in Imo state, the team chose to commence its official engagement in Abia because of its strategic importance, particularly in Agriculture, which falls within their core mandate.
He highlighted the Federal Government’s declaration of an emergency on food security and stressed the need for strong partnerships with government of the South East States to revitalize Agricultural Production.
Senator Anosike lamented the decline in productivity on over 1,300 hectares of land previously used for rice, cassava and fish farming that the Agency was known for within the South East region, and attributed it to weakened collaboration with States and appealed to the State Government to support efforts to revive the Agricultural assets for the benefit of the region.
He reaffirmed the Committee’s readiness to work closely with the State and the South-East Development Commission in areas of Agriculture among others.
He further commended Governor Otti for the State’s improved infrastructure under his administration and commitment to leaving Abia better than he met the state.
The Acting Secretary to Abia State Government, Dr Emmanuel Meribole, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba and other top government functionaries were present during the visit.
