Abia Targets Food Self-Sufficiency, Exports as Otti Courts Presco

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has unveiled plans to harness the state’s agricultural resources to boost industrialisation, attain food self-sufficiency and establish Abia as a net exporter of agricultural produce. Speaking on Thursday at the third Michael Okpara Memorial Lecture Series at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Otti announced a steering committee comprising state government representatives, the university, PAYAZA Africa Limited and other stakeholders. The governor, who will chair the committee, said it would identify commodities in which Abia enjoys a competitive advantage and recommend investments, infrastructure and technological innovations required to develop commercially viable agricultural enterprises. He stressed that the initiative would build on the agricultural legacy of the late Dr Michael Iheonukara Okpara, former Premier of the defunct Eastern Region, while adapting it to modern realities through technology. Otti also welcomed a proposal for an Agricultural Technology Hub at the university, describing innovation as essential to transforming agriculture into a major contributor to economic growth. Meanwhile, the university’s Pro-Chancellor, Fidelis Edeh, spoke about the importance of good governance, while Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ursula Ngozi Akanwa, highlighted Okpara’s vision of using agriculture to promote industrial development, employment, research, education and rural infrastructure. The chairman of the occasion, Prince Arthur Eze, represented by Prince Emeka Eze, praised Otti as a prominent contemporary Igbo leader. Delivering the lecture, Seyi Ebenezer urged Nigerians, particularly young people, to embrace digital innovation, technology and modern business models in farming.

In a related development, Otti has invited Presco Plc, an agro-industrial company specialising in oil palm cultivation, processing and refining, to commence its proposed investment at the government-owned Ulonna Farm Settlement in Umuahia. Receiving a Presco delegation led by its Chairman, Rasheed Sarumi, at Government House, Umuahia, the governor disclosed that the settlement had approximately 4,200 hectares available, while the company’s proposed requirement stood at 10,000 hectares. He said the government was working to secure the additional land needed to facilitate the investment. Otti acknowledged concerns over some community lands earmarked for the project and urged Presco to work through community leaders to address disputes and reassure residents about the protection of their land rights. He pledged that his administration would facilitate access to the additional land, while acknowledging that the process would require time. Sarumi expressed confidence in the proposed investment, saying Presco expected to establish a successful operation because the state had a government that understood business. The proposed project, alongside the planned agricultural committee and technology hub, forms part of Otti’s broader ambition to expand agricultural production, strengthen local industries and position Abia as a major supplier of food and other agricultural products to domestic and international markets.

#UTVAfrica#