Abia State Governor Alex Otti is seeking to unlock the state’s agricultural potential and position it as a major producer and exporter of food products.
The initiative aligns with his administration’s broader economic strategy to strengthen local production, attract investment and create jobs by expanding agriculture and agro-processing.
Otti has repeatedly emphasised that Abia’s fertile land and agricultural resources can support the cultivation of crops such as cassava, yam, cocoyam, oil palm and cashew. He has also stressed the need to move beyond raw-material production by investing in processing and adding value to locally produced goods.
The governor announced the formation of a steering committee, which he will chair, bringing together state government representatives, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, PAYAZA Africa Limited and other stakeholders. The committee will identify crops and agricultural commodities in which Abia has a competitive advantage and recommend the investment, infrastructure and technology needed to develop them commercially.
Speaking at the third Michael Okpara Memorial Lecture Series, held at the university on Thursday, Otti said his administration wanted to build on the agricultural vision of the late Dr Michael Okpara by combining it with modern technology. The goal, he said, is not only to achieve food self-sufficiency but also to make Abia a net exporter of food.
As part of the plan, Otti urged Presco Plc to begin its proposed investment at the government-owned Ulonna Farm Settlement in Umuahia. The state has about 4,200 hectares there and is working to secure additional land for the project. Presco Chairman Rasheed Sarumi expressed confidence in the proposed investment, while the governor pledged to help facilitate access to the land required.
The governor also welcomed a proposal to establish an Agricultural Technology Hub at the university, which could support research, innovation and modern farming methods.
The plan signals the administration’s ambition to make agriculture a stronger driver of industrialisation, employment and economic growth in Abia, while expanding food production for local consumption and export markets.
