FIC Report (Abia State) – The Abia State Ministry of Agriculture hosted a high-powered delegation from the South East Development Commission (SEDC) to explore strategic areas of collaboration aimed at accelerating agricultural and rural development across the State.
Leading the delegation, the Executive Director, Natural Resource, Agriculture and Rural Development (NRARD), Dr. Cliff Ogbede, explained that the SEDC was inaugurated on January 11, 2025, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address critical developmental challenges within the South East.
He noted that the visit to Abia State aligns with the Commission’s mandate and is designed to complement the impressive strides of Governor Alex Otti, OFR, especially in the agricultural sector.
Dr. Ogbede highlighted that SEDC, through NRARD, is committed to driving sustainable agricultural transformation in partnership with state governments. He stated that the Commission is particularly interested in supporting the development of farm estates already mapped out by the Abia State Government across the three senatorial zones. Key focus areas include road mapping, technical collaboration, and counterpart funding, all geared toward strengthening agricultural infrastructure and boosting productivity in the State.
Responding, the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze, FCIB, reaffirmed the determined commitment of Governor Otti’s administration to fast-track agricultural growth.
He emphasized the Governor’s determination to close long-standing developmental gaps and build upon the enduring legacies of iconic leaders such as Dr. Michael Okpara and Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe.
Dr. Agbaeze further assured the delegation that the Ministry will continue to prioritize community engagement, noting that the State’s development plan focuses on enhancing existing farm plantations rather than acquiring new land. This approach, he explained, will foster stronger cooperation with host communities and ensure inclusive, sustainable growth.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Ijeoma Adanma Aguwa, PhD, commended the SEDC for the visit and pledged the Ministry’s full support for a fruitful collaboration. The State Director of Lands, ESV Mong Uduma, equally affirmed the readiness of the Ministry of Lands to provide the necessary technical assistance to drive the initiative.
ATTENDANCE
Abia State Government Officials
Dr. Cliff Agbaeze, FCIB – Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture
Mrs. Ijeoma Adanma Aguwa, PhD – Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture
Dr. Ojo Uma Ojo – State Director of Agriculture
ESV Mong Uduma – State Director of Lands, Ministry of Lands
Samuel O. Titilaye – Representative of the Acting Surveyor-General
ESV Ucheibe A. O. – Community Liaison Officer
ESV Ikpa Kelechi U. – Principal Land Officer, Ministry of Lands
SEDC Delegation
Dr. Cliff Ogbede – Executive Director, NRARD
Engr. Dr. Charles Ajah – Consultant
Amb. Dr. Timothy Ihemadu – Consultant
Mr. Nnamdi Umunakwe – Programme Officer
Mr. Olugbenga Fashola
Signed
Abiakam Gloria Ify
HOC ,FIC UMUAHIA ABIA STATE.
DECEMBER 4,2025
