Otti Plans to Harness Agricultural Potential, Make Abia Food Exporter

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has unveiled plans to harness the state’s agricultural potential to boost food production, accelerate industrialisation and position Abia as a net exporter of agricultural produce.

Otti announced the initiative during the third Michael Okpara Memorial Lecture Series at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, where he outlined plans to combine the state’s agricultural heritage with modern technology.

The governor also announced the formation of a steering committee comprising representatives of the state government, the university, PAYAZA Africa Limited and other relevant stakeholders. He will chair the committee, which is expected to develop a framework for identifying agricultural opportunities and promoting sustainable commercial farming.

According to the governor, the committee will identify commodities in which Abia has a comparative advantage and recommend the investments, infrastructure and technological innovations required to transform them into commercially viable enterprises.

Otti said the initiative would begin with the Ulonna farm settlements, with the aim of moving beyond subsistence farming to large-scale agricultural production.

“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,” he said.

The governor also welcomed a proposal for an Agricultural Technology Hub at the university, describing it as consistent with his administration’s vision of using technology to improve agricultural productivity and stimulate economic growth.

He subsequently invited the guest lecturer to join the proposed steering committee to contribute to developing and implementing the state’s agricultural plans.

Earlier, the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ursula Ngozi Akanwa, said technology, research, infrastructure and strategic investment were essential to improving agricultural productivity, creating jobs and strengthening rural livelihoods.

She urged stakeholders to translate the legacy of the late Dr Michael Okpara, former Premier of the defunct Eastern Region, into practical solutions for contemporary agricultural challenges.

Guest lecturer Seyi Ebenezer also encouraged Nigerians, particularly young people, to embrace modern agricultural practices, including drone technology, automated irrigation, artificial intelligence and digital supply-chain systems.

He said technology should equip farmers with tools to improve productivity, product quality and market value.

The proposed initiative is expected to provide a framework for developing Abia’s agricultural resources, strengthening food security and creating opportunities for agribusiness. Its success will depend on effective implementation, investment and the development of sustainable agricultural value chains.