Abia Leads Agricultural Revival with AUDA-NEPAD Pilot Launch”

Abia Leads Agricultural Revival with AUDA-NEPAD Pilot Launch”

The Abia State Government has formally launched the African Union Development Agency–New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD) Smallholder Farmers Initiative, reinforcing its commitment to revitalizing agriculture as a key engine for economic growth, job creation, and food security.

The official ceremony, held at the JAAC Building in Umuahia, marks Abia as one of seven pilot states chosen to implement the continental programme. The initiative aims to support smallholder farmers by providing access to funding, quality inputs, climate-smart agricultural training, and structured market systems.

Governor Alex Otti represented by Deputy Governor Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, described the initiative as a strategic move to restore Abia’s prominence in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

“This is not just a programme launch; it’s a clear signal of our resolve to make agriculture the bedrock of our economic transformation,” the governor stated.

Under the scheme, 17,000 farming households across the state’s 17 local government areas are set to benefit, starting with an initial 1,000 farmers in the pilot phase. Participants will receive training in sustainable agriculture, tools to minimize post-harvest losses, and resources to boost productivity.

Governor Otti urged farmers to take full advantage of the initiative:
“Let’s prove that Abia’s farmers can stand tall among the best across Africa.”

Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze, emphasized the programme’s significance, noting that smallholder farmers represent over 90% of Nigeria’s agricultural workforce. He commended the Otti administration for reactivating a long-stalled project that was first introduced nationally in 2021.

“What we’re witnessing today is a product of intentional, visionary leadership,” he said. “This government has breathed new life into a dormant initiative.”

Dr. Agbaeze also recognized the contributions of Princess Gloria Akobundu, former National Coordinator and CEO of AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria, for securing Abia’s spot in the pilot phase.

In his remarks, current AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria CEO and National Coordinator, Mr. Jabiru Salisu Abdullahi Tsauri Abubakar, thanked Governor Otti for his steadfast dedication to the state’s development and for positioning Abia as a frontrunner in the programme’s rollout.

Other key speakers, including the Ministry of Agriculture’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Ijeoma Adanna Agwu; former AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria CEO, Princess Gloria Akobundu; and State Project Coordinator, Mrs. Catherine Osondu, highlighted that the programme is designed to improve the resilience and productivity of smallholder farmers through enhanced practices, technology adoption, better market access, and broader agricultural support.

The event drew development partners, agricultural experts, and hundreds of enthusiastic local farmers, many of whom expressed hope that the initiative would bring lasting solutions to the sector’s longstanding challenges.