Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has unveiled plans to leverage the state’s agricultural potential to accelerate industrialisation, attain food sufficiency and establish Abia as a net exporter of agricultural produce.
The governor also announced the formation of a steering committee, which he will chair, composed of representatives of the Abia State Government, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), PAYAZA Africa Limited and other relevant stakeholders.
The committee is expected to develop a workable framework for exploiting the state’s comparative advantages in agriculture and identifying opportunities for sustainable agricultural development.
Governor Otti disclosed this during the third Michael Okpara Memorial Lecture Series held at MOUAU, Umudike.
The governor, who recently returned from Ethiopia, where he accompanied Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, to the inaugural Nigeria-Ethiopia Nutrition Leadership Exchange Forum, stressed the importance of combining the agricultural vision of the late Dr. Michael Iheonukara Okpara, former Premier of the defunct Eastern Region, with modern technology to drive economic growth.
He explained that the proposed committee would identify agricultural commodities in which Abia enjoys a comparative advantage and recommend the necessary investments, infrastructure and technological innovations to transform them into viable commercial ventures.
“I want us to start with Ulonna farm settlements. We may not go back to what Michael Okpara did in his days.
“We want to take it to this level now, where we introduce technology, and we don’t only want to be self-sufficient in food production; we want to be a net exporter of food from Abia State,” Otti stated.
Welcoming the guest lecturer’s proposal for the establishment of an Agricultural Technology Hub at MOUAU, Governor Otti described the initiative as consistent with his administration’s vision of technology driven agriculture.
He subsequently invited the guest lecturer to join the steering committee to contribute to the development and implementation of the state’s agricultural plans.
Speaking at the event, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the University Council, Comrade Fidelis Edeh, praised Governor Otti for his performance and consistency in governance.
He noted that the governor had remained in the political party under which he was elected and had demonstrated that effective governance was achievable.
Edeh added that the legacy of the late Dr. Michael Okpara serves as a reminder that leadership requires courage, integrity, sacrifice and a commitment to public service.
“True leadership is demonstrated through courage, integrity, sacrifice, unity, and tangible contributions to society, not merely through longevity in office or the positions one occupies,”Edeh stated.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of MOUAU, Professor Ursula Ngozi Akanwa, said the late Dr. Okpara’s vision illustrated the capacity of agriculture to promote economic prosperity, industrial development, employment creation and social progress through strategic investments in research, education, rural development and infrastructure.
She noted that bearing the name of the former Premier was both a privilege and a serious responsibility for the university, stressing that the institution must uphold his legacy through the quality of its graduates, the relevance of its research and its contributions to agricultural advancement.
“Our task is to move beyond commemoration to action, translating his ideals into practical solutions that address contemporary challenges,” she said.
Professor Akanwa described the lecture theme, “Leveraging Technology in Agriculture: Building Digital Rails for Food Security, Agro-Enterprise and Financial Inclusion,” as relevant to the present realities of agriculture, particularly as emerging technologies create opportunities to improve production and enhance farmers’ livelihoods.
She further stated that the university’s priorities were aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Governor Otti’s agricultural reforms, particularly regarding food security, commercial farming, increased productivity and the development of sustainable agricultural value chains.
The Chairman of the occasion and oil magnate, Prince Engr. Dr. Arthur Eze, represented by Prince Dr. Emeka Eze, described Governor Otti as an outstanding figure and a leading representative of contemporary Igbo leadership.
“He is the only leader resembling the man we are celebrating today,” he said.
Prince Eze noted that Dr. Okpara transformed the former Eastern Region into an industrial centre, generated employment opportunities for young people and provided leadership guided by strong convictions.
He described the late Premier as a man of exceptional character who believed that governance should focus on developing people rather than merely distributing money, urging leaders and citizens to emulate his principles.
In his memorial lecture, the guest lecturer, Mr. Seyi Ebenezer, urged Nigerians, particularly young people, to embrace a new understanding of agriculture by incorporating technology, digital innovation and modern business models into the sector.
He encouraged students and aspiring entrepreneurs to explore emerging opportunities in drone technology, automated irrigation systems, artificial intelligence, algorithmic credit scoring, supply-chain logistics and cross border financial technology to improve agricultural productivity and profitability.
According to him, technology should not displace farmers or diminish the importance of the soil but should instead equip farmers with the tools to improve the quality, productivity and market value of their produce.
Mr. Ebenezer also commended Governor Otti for improving Abia State and changing the negative perceptions previously associated with the state.
THE WHISTLER reports that the event featured the unveiling of a statue in honour of the late Dr. Michael Okpara and attracted several dignitaries, including the former Premier’s son, Chief Uzodinma Okpara.
