World Food Day: Our Investment in Road Networks is to Ensure Market Access for Farmers – Otti

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has said that his administration is strategically investing in both urban and rural road networks to ensure market access for farmers and agribusinesses.

Otti stated this in Umuahia during the 2025 World Food Day, organised by the State Ministry of Agriculture with the theme: “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future.”

The Governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Kenneth Kalu, noted that the focus on building infrastructure, supporting mechanized farming, and encouraging local production is aimed at making life better for citizens.

“Our intention is to make agriculture a driver of prosperity,” he said.

“We are developing and expanding the sector, from production to processing and export to create jobs, ensure food security, and improve the welfare of our people.

“The Otti administration will continue to stand by farmers and provide the support needed to make the sector thrive.”

Otti applauded the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Clifford Agbaeze, for steering innovative reforms that are repositioning Abia’s agriculture sector and urged farmers and stakeholders to see themselves as central to the ongoing transformation.

Delivering a keynote address, the Abia State Coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Aloysius Chibuzor Mba, acknowledged the state’s efforts in Agriculture and commended its alignment with national and global food security objectives.

He emphasised that the World Food Day is a reminder of the global duty to end hunger and improve nutrition through sustainable and inclusive food systems.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Clifford Agbaeze, described the annual celebration as a platform for reflection and action, noting that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Agbaeze noted that with Nigeria’s population growing at an annual rate of 2.1 percent, achieving food security has become a national emergency.

He underscored Governor Otti’s vision of redefining agriculture from subsistence to enterprise, stating that under the current administration, farming is being transformed into a business that drives productivity and prosperity.

He unveiled the Abia Agriculture Dynamic Database System (Abia ADDS), a geo-referenced platform designed to digitally register farmers, their farms, and activities to ensure precision in government interventions, eliminate waste, and strengthen planning.

“Through data, technology, and innovation, we are building a smarter agricultural ecosystem,” he said.

“From mechanization and irrigation to youth demonstration farms and cooperative clusters, Abia is ensuring that no farmer is left behind.”

The commissioner also revealed plans to promote climate-smart practices, expand irrigation, and enhance access to credit and insurance for farmers to safeguard against climate shocks.

He further announced the establishment of agro-processing zones and storage hubs across the state to reduce post-harvest losses and strengthen the value chain.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Ijeoma Adanma Aguwa, described the theme as a wake-up call for unity among all stakeholders, stressing that food security can only be achieved through collaboration and shared responsibility.

The event featured presentations by experts, including the Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture, Prince Chris Enweremadu and Dr. Tessy Ugo Madu of the National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike.

Other highlights included cultural performances by the Ministry of Agriculture Women Association, goodwill messages from farmers’ groups, exhibitions of farm produce, and the participation of major stakeholders in agriculture.