Abia State Government has officially launched the African Union Development Agency–New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD) Smallholder Farmers Initiative, reaffirming its commitment to repositioning agriculture as a driver of economic growth, employment, and food security.
The flag-off ceremony, held at the JAAC Building in Umuahia, places Abia among seven pilot states selected to implement the continental programme. The initiative seeks to empower smallholder farmers with access to finance, modern farm inputs, training in climate-smart practices, and structured market systems.
Representing Governor Alex Otti at the event, Deputy Governor Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu described the launch as a bold step toward restoring Abia’s prominence on Nigeria’s agricultural map.
“This is more than a project launch; it is a statement of our commitment to make agriculture the engine of growth and prosperity for our people,” Governor Otti declared.
Under the programme, 17,000 farming households across Abia’s 17 local government areas will benefit, beginning with an initial 1,000 farmers in the pilot phase. Beneficiaries will receive training in sustainable farming, support to reduce post-harvest losses, and measures to improve productivity.
Encouraging farmers to seize the opportunity, Otti charged: “Let us demonstrate that Abia’s farmers can compete with the best across the continent.”
In his welcome address, the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze, FCIB, emphasized the transformative nature of the initiative:
“This initiative places our smallholder farmers, the backbone of Nigeria’s food system, at the heart of agricultural renewal. 17,000 households across 17 LGAs will benefit, beginning with 1,000 farmers in the pilot phase.
“That we are celebrating this flag-off today is proof that leadership matters, what once seemed impossible has become imperative under Governor Alex Otti. This programme will improve food security, create jobs, and generate wealth, aligning with the Governor’s vision for Abia State.”
Dr. Agbaeze also acknowledged the role of Princess Gloria Akobundu, former National Coordinator/ CEO of AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria, for ensuring Abia’s inclusion in the pilot phase.
On his part, the National Coordinator and CEO of AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria, Mr. Jabiru Salisu Abdullahi Tsauri Abubakar, commended Governor Otti’s leadership. He praised the Governor for his “unwavering commitment to the development of every sector of the state’s economy” and for positioning Abia as one of the first states to roll out the programme.
Other key stakeholders, including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs. Ijeoma Adanna Agwu; the immediate past National Coordinator/CEO of AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria, Princess Gloria Akobundu; and the State Project Coordinator, Mrs. Catherine Osondu, reiterated that the project is designed to strengthen smallholder farmers through innovative technologies, improved practices, market access, and funding support.
The colourful event attracted top government officials, local government chairmen, development partners, agricultural experts, and hundreds of enthusiastic farmers, many of whom expressed optimism that the initiative would finally provide lasting solutions to the challenges confronting the sector.
