………Drive Agro-Industrial Revolution in Abia.
FIC Report (Abia State) – Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming Abia into a major agro-industrial hub through strategic collaboration with the Anambra–Imo River Basin Development Authority (AIRBDA), as the State officially commenced the recovery of abandoned and underutilised farm settlements.
Governor Otti made this known while receiving the Executive Management Committee of AIRBDA, led by its Chairman, Senator Emmanuel Anosike, during a working visit at Nvosi, Isialangwa South Local Government Area.
Welcoming the delegation, the Governor commended the Authority for prioritising Abia in its South-East engagements and assured them of the State Government’s readiness to partner for tangible, result-driven outcomes in agriculture and economic development.
Governor Otti described agriculture as the mainstay of Nigeria’s economy and a central pillar of his administration’s development agenda, disclosing that Abia is deliberately transitioning from subsistence farming to commercial, mechanised agriculture anchored on a full value-chain system.
“We are moving from subsistence farming to a value-chain approach — from primary production to processing and finished products. Instead of selling cocoa beans, we want to sell chocolate,” the Governor declared.
He revealed that the State Government has begun the process of reclaiming long-abandoned farm settlements established during the era of agricultural icons like Dr. Michael Okpara, noting that these assets are being revitalised to boost food security, employment and wealth creation.
According to him, agriculture remains the highest employer of labour in Nigeria, and Abia is determined to harness its full potential through data-driven planning, land recovery, mechanisation and strategic partnerships.
Governor Otti also highlighted the remarkable progress recorded in the power sector, disclosing that nine out of the seventeen local government areas now enjoy constant electricity, a development that has significantly stimulated economic activities in Aba and Umuahia.
He assured that efforts are ongoing to extend reliable power supply across the entire State, describing power as “central to virtually everything we are doing.”
To fast-track the partnership, the Governor announced the establishment of a joint technical committee and directed the Commissioners for Agriculture, Lands, Power and Public Utilities, Environment, as well as the Managing Director of the Abia State Investment Agency and other relevant MDAs, to engage directly with AIRBDA and immediately identify “low-hanging fruits” for quick wins.
“Abia is open for business. Let us hit the ground running. There is no time to waste,” the Governor charged.
Earlier, the Chairman of AIRBDA, Senator Emmanuel Anosike, explained that the visit was part of a tour of South-East States to introduce the newly inaugurated Board and explore areas of collaboration, stressing that Abia was chosen as the starting point due to its strategic importance in agriculture.
He referenced the Federal Government’s declaration of a state of emergency on food security and underscored the need for strong synergy between the River Basin Authority and State Governments to revive agricultural productivity.
Senator Anosike lamented the decline in output across over 1,300 hectares of agricultural land previously used for rice, cassava and fish farming in the region, attributing it to years of weak collaboration. He appealed to the Abia State Government to support efforts to reactivate these assets for the benefit of the South-East.
He further disclosed that the Authority is also involved in irrigation projects, solar energy solutions and other initiatives, expressing readiness to work closely with Abia State and the South-East Development Commission to restore the region’s agricultural glory.
Commending Governor Otti, Senator Anosike praised the improved infrastructure across Abia and lauded the Governor’s commitment to leaving the State better than he met it.
The Governor was joined at the meeting by the Acting Secretary to the State Government, Chief of Staff, Commissioners for Agriculture, Power and Public Utilities, Lands, Directors-General of PPP and Investment Promotion, GADA, GODA, UCDA, and other top government officials.
Signed
Abiakam Gloria Ify
HOC, FIC Umuahia Abia State.
January 22,2026.
