Gov Otti Woos Agricultural Companies to Make Abia Food Exporter

News in Brief:

— Governor Alex Otti reveals plans for Abia State to combine technology with its agricultural potential to achieve food self-sufficiency and food exports.

— Abia is courting Presco Plc to begin its proposed oil palm investment at the 4,200-hectare Ulonna Farm Settlement and is targeting broader agricultural investments.

At the third edition of the Michael Okpara Memorial Lecture Series at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), Gov Otti disclosed plans for the state’s agricultural assets.

He mentioned the government-owned Ulonna Farm Settlement in Umuahia, as well as closer collaboration with private investors, researchers and technology-driven agricultural businesses.

Otti Sets Up Agriculture Steering  Committee

The governor announced a steering committee, which he will chair, to develop a framework for exploiting Abia’s comparative advantages in agriculture. The committee will include representatives of the state government, MOUAU, PAYAZA Africa Limited and other relevant stakeholders.

“I want us to start with Ulonna farm settlements. We may not go back to what Michael Okpara did in his day. 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,” Otti said.

The governor also welcomed a proposal to establish an Agricultural Technology Hub at the university, pointing to the need for stronger links between agricultural research, innovation and commercial production.

Presco Urged to Begin Processing in Ulonna

Otti also urged Presco Plc to accelerate its proposed investment and to commence operations at the Ulonna Farm Settlement while the state secures additional land for the project. The governor said that he had proposed this when he received a Presco delegation led by its Chairman, Rasheed Sarumi, at the Government House in Umuahia.

According to Otti, the state has about 4,200 hectares at Ulonna, leaving the government to facilitate access to additional land needed for the company’s proposed 10,000-hectare investment.

“We have Ulonna Farm Settlement that belongs to the government. We have about 4,200 hectares at Ulonna. So, if you are looking for 10,000 hectares and you already have 4,200, what you are looking for is just slightly less than 6,000 hectares,” he said.

Michael Okpara's Agricultural Vision and Modern Technology

MOUAU Vice-Chancellor, Prof Ursula Ngozi Akanwa, said Michael Okpara’s vision was for agriculture to support economic prosperity, industrial development, employment and wider social advancement when backed by strategic investment in research, education, rural infrastructure and development.

Delivering the memorial lecture, Seyi Ebenezer urged Nigerians, particularly young people, to rethink their perception of agriculture and embrace technology, digital innovation and modern business models. He argued that agriculture should no longer be seen as the traditional practice of cultivating land, but as a modern economic sector capable of creating new businesses and opportunities.

Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the University Council, Fidelis Edeh, also spoke on the importance of governance and continuity. The Chairman of the occasion, Prince Arthur Eze, represented by Prince Emeka Eze, described Otti as an icon and banner carrier of modern Igbo people.

For Presco, the proposed investment reflects confidence in the state's business environment. Sarumi said the company remained committed to establishing a successful operation in Abia.