Governor Otti Dazzles In Agricultural Development In Abia

The vision of ratio is one anchored on the principles of transparency, accountability, and good governance, with a clear focus on empowering the people and creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

Under the leadership of Governor Alex Otti, Abia State has recorded significant improvements in infrastructure, security, and ease of doing business, all of which are crucial factors in attracting investments and promoting economic growth.

Revamping Abia’s Agriculture Sector

One of the major pillars of Dr. Otti’s economic agenda is to diversify Abia’s economy and reduce its over-reliance on oil revenue. To achieve this, his administration is prioritizing the revitalization of the agriculture sector, which has a high potential for job creation and sustainable development.

To kickstart this, the government launched the “Aba Rice Project,” which aims to promote rice production in the state and make it self-sufficient in rice production. The project involves providing farmers with improved seedlings, farm inputs, and technical assistance, as well as establishing rice processing mills to add value to the produce.

This project has not only increased local rice production but has also provided job opportunities for thousands of Abians.
In addition to rice, the government is also actively promoting the production of other crops, such as cassava, cocoa, and oil palm, as well as encouraging aquaculture and livestock farming.

These efforts are aimed at not only boosting the state’s agricultural output but also promoting agro-processing and agribusiness, which will contribute significantly to the state’s GDP.

Empowering Abia’s Youth and Women in Agriculture

Recognizing the crucial role of youth and women in agriculture, Dr. Otti’s administration has provided various support schemes and initiatives to empower them in the sector. These include providing training and capacity building programs, access to credit facilities, and improved access to land and farm inputs.

The government is also leveraging technology to drive agricultural development, with initiatives such as the “Abia Agro-Apex Bank,” a digital platform that connects farmers with buyers and provides access to financial services.

This platform has not only improved market access for farmers but has also promoted financial inclusion and transparency in the agricultural value chain.

Not only that, the present administration in Abia, led by Dr Alex Chioma Otti has trained over three hundred Abia youths on modern agricultural techniques at the CSS Farm in Nasarawa State who were given incentives to start their own agribusiness.

A check on those trained showed that 80% of them are doing excellently. Today, plans are underway to establish the CSS Model Farm in the state.

A Beacon of Hope for Abia State

In just two years, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti has transformed Abia into a hub for agribusiness and has made lremarkable strides in diversifying the state’s economy. His visionary leadership and commitment to transparency and good governance continue to inspire hope and instill confidence in Abians.

With Dr. Otti at the helm, Abia State is primed for a future of economic prosperity and sustainable development.

Mazi Chidiebere okoro Okafor
State Publicity Secretary Labour Party