Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has announced the commencement of efforts to recover abandoned and underutilised farm settlements across the state, as part of a broader push to reposition agriculture as a major driver of economic growth and job creation.
Governor Otti disclosed this while receiving a delegation of the Executive Management Committee of the Anambra Imo River Basin Development Authority, led by its Chairman, Senator Emmanuel Anosike, during a working visit to Government House, Umuahia.
Describing agriculture as the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, the governor said the Abia State Government is deliberately shifting from subsistence farming to commercial and mechanised agriculture built around a strong value chain. He noted that several farm settlements established decades ago by visionary leaders such as the late Dr Michael Okpara had been abandoned or poorly utilised over the years.
According to him, the process of reclaiming and revitalising those settlements has already begun, with a clear plan to return them to productive use. Governor Otti stressed that agriculture remains the highest employer of labour in Nigeria and that a modern approach would significantly reduce unemployment and boost incomes.
He explained that the goal of his administration is to move beyond the export of raw produce to value added products. Using cocoa as an example, the governor said Abia must aspire to process cocoa into finished goods such as chocolate, rather than merely selling raw beans.
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Governor Otti assured the Anambra Imo River Basin Development Authority of his administration’s readiness to collaborate closely in order to achieve food sufficiency and grow the state economy. He directed the Commissioners for Agriculture, Lands, and Power and Public Utilities, alongside other relevant ministries and agencies, to form a joint team that would work with the River Basin Authority to ensure the success of the partnership.
Emphasising urgency, the governor urged both sides to focus first on projects that can deliver quick results, while gradually addressing more complex areas. He also highlighted ongoing investments in power infrastructure, describing electricity as central to agricultural processing, industrial growth, and overall development in the state.
Governor Otti acknowledged the long standing personal support he has received from Senator Anosike since entering politics in 2014 and commended him for his commitment to regional development.
Earlier, Senator Anosike said the visit was to formally introduce the newly inaugurated board of the Anambra Imo River Basin Development Authority and to explore areas of collaboration with the Abia State Government. He explained that the Authority is one of twelve River Basin Development Authorities in the country and covers the five states of the South East.
He disclosed that the Authority is engaging governors across the region to deepen partnerships in agriculture, irrigation, and related sectors, adding that Abia State has strong irrigation assets that can be revived. Senator Anosike recalled a time when the Authority produced branded rice, poultry, and eggs, expressing confidence that such successes can return with the right support.
He added that beyond agriculture, the Authority is also involved in solar energy and other initiatives, creating additional opportunities for collaboration that could bring development closer to communities in Abia State.
The governor was joined at the meeting by the Acting Secretary to the State Government, the Chief of Staff, commissioners overseeing agriculture, power and public utilities, and lands, as well as heads of key agencies including investment promotion and urban development authorities.
