Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti says his Government will partner the Agriculture and Rural Management Training Institute (ARMTI) tobupgrade subsistence Agriculture in Abia State to business.
The Governor stated this on Tuesday, October 21st, while receiving in his office, a delegation of the Agriculture and Rural Management Training Institute (ARMTI) led by its Executive Director, Dr Olufeme Oladunni.
Governor Otti described Abia State as a place where 70% of the population engage in one form of agricultural activity or another, saying that, if supported, the result would be more positive.
“This is a place where 70% of the population engage in Agriculture one way or the other. A smaller percentage are engaged in commercial Agriculture, but we are looking at upgrading those whether in subsistence or commercial farming to business because we see Agriculture as Business.
“About 23-24% of our GDP is accounted for by agriculture, so, you cannot ignore agriculture. And a lot of people still do it on a subsistence level.
“So, with the kind of training and with the climate smart Agriculture, I believe that the contribution to GDP can go up, reduce unemployment, and also generate revenue for the Government.
The Governor informed the delegation that his Government had spent some money last year to train over 300 young people in Agriculture at the CSS farms, in Nasarawa State in which about 298 of them have become serious farmers today, saying that the State is willing to partner with them.
While thanking the Agriculture and Rural Management Training Institute for the decision to launch its project in Abia and making Abia its regional headquarters in the Southeast, the State Chief Executive maintained that they made a good decision;
“You couldn’t have made a better decision because we also have the right people that will support you. I know that there are still areas that we can do more to support you,”
The Governor directed the Director General, Greater Ohafia Development Authority (GODA) to ensure that they are comfortable in terms of accommodation, office space, getting the right people among others and commended the GODA DG for his efforts.
Speaking earlier, the Executive Director, Agriculture and Rural Management Training Institute (ARMTI) Dr Olufeme Oladunni, while describing their office, as one with the mandate of training people especially youths in agriculture, expressed their readiness to work with Abia State Government under the leadership of Governor Otti.
He said that they have programmes such as Village Alive Development Initiative, adding that they are willing to work with an agency like the Greater Ohafia Development Authority (GODA) to develop a proposal for the Agriculture project.
Dr Oladunni commended Governor Otti for his good and exemplary leadership in the State.
The Deputy Governor, Engr Ikechukwu Emetu, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and the DG GODA among other dignitaries were present at the visit.
Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
