By Ovat Abeng
Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has reiterated the commitment of his administration to promote food security and sustainable agriculture in the state.
The Governor stated this at the commemoration of the World Food Day with the theme “Hand in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future.”
During the event which featured a mega solidarity rally in support of his re election bid by farmers at Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, on Thursday, he called for closer collaboration with stakeholders in its transformative journey in the agric sector.
READ ALSO: Rt. Hon. Orok Duke Represents Cross River at Commissioning of NDDC Delta State House in Warri
Soludo, who was represented by the State Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, described farmers as being pivotal in the economy of the state.
While emphasizing that the present administration has shown remarkable vision in the agricultural sector, he listed numerous impactful achievements recorded as well as interventions and support services to farmers.
In his welcome address, the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Forster Ihejiofor, has described Governor Soludo’s solution government as “a front-runner in food security and inclusive prosperity through agriculture-led transformation.
He noted that Governor Soludo’s mantra “One People, One Government, One Agenda” has practically unified development efforts across multiple sectors to secure better livelihoods for all.
He highlighted landmark initiatives driving the State’s agricultural revolution, including the Regenerative Agriculture Policy, Oil Palm and Coconut Revolution, Igbo Economic Tree Crops Programme, and the distribution of free organic fertilizer to over 20,000 smallholder farmers.
Also cited were the IFAD-VCDP empowerment of over 13,000 farmers, the ATASP-1 Mega Irrigation Project in Ayamelum serving 10,000 hectares of rice fields, and the forthcoming Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) and Agriculture Transformation Centres (ATCs) which will boost processing, value addition, and youth employment.
The Commissioner further praised the Farm to Feed Campaign, which has been adopted by Local Government Mayors across the State, “mainstreaming homestead food production in both urban and rural households.
He equally commended Her Excellency, Dr. (Mrs.) Nonye Soludo, for championing the Healthy Living Gardens Initiative — a school-based program promoting nutrition, environmental awareness, and hands-on food cultivation among children.
“Their endorsement of Governor Soludo is an endorsement of continuity, progress, and shared prosperity.”
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen Abubakar Kyari, represented by the South East Regional Director of the Ministry, Ichie Ogonna Nkamnebe, noted that the theme underscored the need for more investment in the sector.
While calling for stronger synergy between federal and state governments, he noted that federal government had undertaken a lot of interventions including purchase of tractors for mechanised farming.
He Further highlighted provision of agric credits through Bank of Industry (BOI) and distribution of farm inputs, pointing out President Bola Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to ensure food security by encouraging stakeholders active participation.
Other Stakeholders including the State Chairman, All Farmers Association of Nigeria (ALFAN) Okelue Nnawuno, Chief Emma Obi, Chairman, Nigeria Agricultural Input Association (NAIDA), Anambra State, Chief Charles Okafor, President, United Butchers Association, enumerated advancements made by Governor Soludo in the sector.
According to Nnawuno, the Governor has distributed organic fertilizers, introduced regenerative agriculture policy, oil palm and coconut revolution, rural infrastructure for market access and other farmer empowerment interventions.
“We declare our full and unreserved support for Prof Soludo’s re-election bid for a second term in office.
“We do so because you have earned our trust. May your second tenure bring even greater harvests of peace and progress.”
Contributing, Chief Emma Obi, said the Governor deserved to be supported having achieved a lot in the agric and other sectors of the state economy.
“We are solidly behind Prof Chukwuma Soludo and we will mobilise farmers for him in all the 21 local government areas. We will do our best to encourage every farmer to vote for him.”
He also acknowledged the contributions of the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Forster Ihejiofor, the Value Chain Development Project (VCDO) under the watch of Dr Deborah Onyefuru, for being pivotal to successes recorded in the sector.
The event also featured an award of honour to the Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, as “Aka-Ji-Ife” meaning the torch bearer, by ORSH-EL Community Development Initiatives.
