The Abia State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the South East Development Commission (SEDC) under the South East Agro Development Programme.
The strategic partnership is aimed at promoting large-scale commercial agriculture, attracting investments into the agro-allied sector, creating employment opportunities, building the capacity of farmers and establishing sustainable agricultural systems that will improve the livelihoods of people across Abia State.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, the Abia state Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of Governor Dr. Alex Chioma Otti to repositioning agriculture as a key driver of economic growth, wealth creation and food security in the state.
He stated that the present administration is determined to move agriculture beyond subsistence farming by embracing mechanized and commercially viable farming capable of boosting the state’s economy and improving the living standards of farmers.
According to him, the Ministry of Agriculture has developed a strategic roadmap focused on expanding large-scale mechanized agriculture to make significant contributions to the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), generate thousands of jobs and increase Abia’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
“The vision, which has also been captured in the strategic document of the Ministry of Agriculture, focuses on large-scale agricultural development, transitioning agriculture from a subsistence system to a commercial, economically empowering and sustainable sector,“ Dr. Agbaeze said.
Dr. Agbaeze explained that beyond achieving food security, the government’s long-term objective is to empower farmers economically by enabling them to embrace commercial farming as a profitable enterprise.
The Commissioner disclosed that engagements with the South East Development Commission commenced several months ago following the establishment of the Commission to accelerate development across the South-East region.
He revealed that Abia State was among the first states to engage with the Commission by submitting a comprehensive concept note approved by Governor Alex Otti. This was followed by several rounds of technical meetings, site inspections and legal consultations, which eventually culminated in the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding.
“The same vision that His Excellency encapsulated right from his manifesto has also been reflected in the documents shared with us by the South East Development Commission. We keyed into that vision from the very beginning,“ he said.
Dr. Agbaeze further explained that under the terms of the partnership, the Abia State Government will provide suitable land for agricultural development, while the South East Development Commission will facilitate investments, provide technical support and coordinate development initiatives aimed at stimulating growth across the agricultural value chain.
He expressed optimism that the collaboration would usher in a new era of mechanized agriculture, agro-industrial development, increased productivity and economic empowerment for farmers throughout the state.
In his remarks, the representative of the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the South East Development Commission, Mr. Mark Okoye, Rt. Hon. Stanley Ohajuruka, Executive Director of Finance, described sustainable development as a collective responsibility that requires active collaboration among governments, development partners, communities and the private sector.
He noted that the partnership with the Abia State Government reflects a shared commitment to creating opportunities that will strengthen local communities, empower farmers and build a solid foundation for long-term economic prosperity.
According to him, the Commission’s vision extends beyond the signing of agreements, stressing that the real measure of success would be reflected in the volume of investments attracted, jobs created, rural communities empowered and the tangible benefits delivered to ordinary citizens.
He commended the Abia State Government for embracing the initiative and assured stakeholders that the Commission remains fully committed to ensuring the successful implementation of the programme.
“We are establishing a strong partnership between the South East Development Commission and the Government of Abia State so that together we can create lasting opportunities for our people.
“Agriculture remains one of the sectors where we can make the greatest impact, and the Commission is committed to making significant investments that will encourage young people to proudly embrace farming as a profitable enterprise,“ he stated.
Ohajuruka further stated that the Commission intends to replicate the agricultural successes recorded by past leaders in the South-East through the promotion of modern farming practices, improved productivity and strategic investments that will position agriculture as a major engine of economic growth across the region.
The signing of the MoU is expected to usher in a new chapter in agricultural development in Abia State by accelerating commercial farming, attracting strategic investments, expanding agro-industrial activities and creating sustainable economic opportunities for farmers and rural communities across the state.
(The Whistler)