Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Abia State, has advocated massive investment in agriculture and conscious involvement of residents in farming as the panacea to the persisting hunger and food insecurity in the country.
NUJ Chairman, Abia State, Council, Comrade Chidi Asonye, made the advocacy while speaking at the first ever Agric Show organised by the Council to sensitise members as well as the public on the need to actively engage in agriculture.
Comrade Asonye said agriculture remained the ‘best quick-fix’ to the growing threat posed by hunger in Nigeria.
He urged Journalists to make out time to engage in farming activities or other forms of agriculture for self reliance
Speaking at the event, Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Clif Agbaeze, commended NUJ for showing uncommon passion for agriculture and for organizing the show to promote farming.
He enjoined farmers to embrace new techniques and methods in farming for greater yields.
The Commissioner described Agriculture as key to economic growth and sustainable development of every nation.
He said that the current administration in the state had special interest in agriculture, and would support any individual, group or organization ready to invest in the critical sector.
The Commissioner who was represented by General Manager Small Holders Oil Palm, Mrs Chinaza Onokah, sais those who actively engage in agriculture, always have a fall back when others are complaining.
He noted that any information about modern techniques in agriculture, is highly needed in society.
“Agriculture information remains a key to step down innovation as well as link farmers with the research development,” he said.
The Commissioner commended Abia NUJ for identifying with agricultural development.
In a remark, the Chairman, Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Eze Linus Nto, who chaired the event, encouraged every family to actively engage in agriculture.
The monarch who is also a renowned farmer, said Agriculture remains one of the fasted means to wealth.
Similarly, another monarch, and Chief Executive Officer of Omamma Life Saving And Health Foundation, Chief Boniface Ariekpere, said he had no regrets investing in agriculture.
He urged people especially youths to stop shying away from farming but warmly embrace the profession.
The Vice Chancellor, Michael Okpara University Umudike, MOUAU, Professor Maduebibise Offor Iwe, represented by Professor Kayode Cimonyan, commended Abia NUJ for organizing the programme which he said, “is in line with the vision of the university.”
He said that the university had made a lot of researches and innovations in agriculture, and expressed readiness to partner any organization willing to invest in agriculture.
In their separate remarks, former Commissioner for Agriculture,Chief Israel Amanze; the Chief Executive Officer of Osikapa (Rice) Abia, Pastor Okey Dike; Dr Chris Nwagbaoso, and Mr Emeka Nwachinemerem, urged members of the public to embrace agriculture and exit from poverty.
Highlights of the event were presentation of award to individuals who had distinguished themselves in agriculture, agric exhibition by various agricultural vendors among others.
