FIC Report (Abia State) – The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abia State Council, hosted its maiden edition of the Abia NUJ Agric Show on June 3, 2025, at the Police Officers’ Mess in Umuahia. The event, themed “Fighting Food Insecurity Through Practical Agriculture,” brought together stakeholders to discuss ways to ensure food security in the state.
Speaking at the show, Abia State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Clif Agbaeze, challenged farmers to adopt modern agricultural practices and techniques to boost productivity and sustainability.
Dr. Agbaeze who was represented by Mrs. Chinaza Onokah, General Manager of the Small Holders Oil Palm Scheme, while commending the NUJ for their pioneering effort to champion agriculture through media-driven advocacy pointed out that Information is key to agricultural innovation and stressed the need to link farmers with research and development.
In his speech, the Chairman of the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Eze Linus Nto Mbah, praised the initiative as a timely support for Governor Alex Otti’s agricultural policy, aimed at achieving food sufficiency across the state.
“As a farmer myself, I recognize the media’s critical role in shaping public perception and policy direction in agriculture”.
I encourage journalists to become torchbearers of agricultural reforms,” Eze Nto declared.
Contributing, Dr Chris Nwagboso MD/CEO Kritznely farms limited and also a lecturer public Administration, university of Calabar appreciated the NUJ for given him this privilege and a remarkable thing to be in their means said,’ Agriculture needs patients and rest of mind if you don’t have this qualities you cannot achieve it, went further to encourage the journalist to have the interest and impress Agric businesses because Government cannot give them whatever they want, if you are depending on Government and white kola Job.
Also Contributing, the Vice-Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (MOUAU), Prof. Maduebibisi Iwe, represented by Prof. Kayode Cimonyan, described the event as a significant step in aligning with the federal and state government’s push for agricultural transformation.
Earlier in his welcome speech, the Chairman, NUJ, Abia Council, Comrade Chidi Asonye described the Agric Show as “a declaration of intent and a bold step forward.” a timely Intervention in our collective quest to confront the scourge of food Insecurity with boldness, purpose and unity.
According to him, the theme: “Together as one Against food Insecurity” is both a call to action and solemn pledge”.
“As a Journalist, we are chronicles of reality, but also agent of change, it was time to be a catalyst for it’s revival”.
Mr Asonye pointed out that it is time to fight food Insecurity headlong through practical Agriculture activities, not just in speeches, but in sowing seeds, cultivating partnership, and reaping solution.
In Addition, the NUJ Chairman, called on government, development partners, financial institutions, and NGOs to empower journalists with access to land, agro-financing, and training to become agri-entrepreneurs and farm owners. He stressed the importance of practical agriculture activities in fighting food insecurity.
Further more he said “we are sowing not just seeds; but hope, we are watering not just plants but possibilities, we are harvesting not just crops, but a future where no child go to bed hungry in our land.”
The event featured exhibitions of agricultural produce and technologies by vendors, including Michael Okpara University and private agribusinesses. Awardees who have contributed to agricultural development in Abia State were also honored.
Signed
Onyebuchi Juliet Nwabu
4/6/2025.
