The Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu says diversifying the economy from Oil mono – economy by growing the Agric sector remains the future for the nations economy and businesses.
Dr. Ikpeazu who stated this while officially declaring open the 43rd meeting of the National Council on Agriculture and Rural Development held at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, pointed that with the unabated fluctuations in crude Oil prices globally, there is an urgent need for seriousness in the diversification of the economy to optimise value and benefits from the agricultural value chain.
The Governor represented by his Deputy, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, advised that the various agricultural finance progress such as the commended CBN Anchor Borrowers programs should be made less cumbersome to give the real farmers access to funding.
The governor expressed government’s determination to continue to partner the world bank, federal government and other agencies in all agricultural projects through prompt payment of counterpart contributions and described the theme of the 5 Days event “Consolidating the Strategies of the Agricultural promotion policy for Economic Diversification and growth” as apt and timely given its emphasis on the attainment of food security, employment generation and wealth creation.
In his address, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural development, Chief Audu Ogbeh represented by Dr. Mohammed Umar, reiterated that the ministry is committed to developing the Agric sector as it holds the key to healthy life and livelihood for the populace and acknowledged the steady support of Abia state govt in the implementation of policies, programmes and projects at the federal and state levels.