Food Security: Govt Launches Agric Project In Enugu South LGA

Governor Peter Mbah, Thursday, unveiled an ambitious agricultural initiative “Enugu State Farm Estate Program.” at Enugu South Council Area.

The initiative is designed to enhance food security, promote agricultural development and provide employment opportunities for Enugu youths.

The programme will also boost commercial agriculture through community partnerships and land donations.

This initiative was unveiled during a town hall meeting held at Enugu South Council headquarters, Uwani, Enugu.

The event which attracted opinion leaders in Enugu South including the State Deputy Surveyor General and Coordinator of Enugu East Senatorial Zone Agricultural Project coordinator,  Hon. Monday Jeremiah Ngene, the head of Agriculture Enugu South local government, Mr. Innocent Egbo received the endorsement of stakeholders.

Enugu South council chairman, Hon. Caleb Ani speaking during the launch

Speaking at the event, the Enugu Council Chairman, Hon. Caleb Ani, thanked the State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah, for the initiative, describing it as transformative step towards achieving food sustainability and economic empowerment.

He emphasized that government’s plan to establish farm estates across the 17 local council areas would create job opportunities and ensure a steady supply of food for the state.

Speaking at the launch, the project coordinator, Hon. Monday Ngene, said the programme would require each community to contribute 200 hectares of land for agricultural purposes.

He outlined the project’s dual objective of fostering economic growth and combating food insecurity.

Mr. Ngene also stressed the importance of community collaboration to achieve the objective of the programme.

According to him, the initiative aligns with Governor Mbah’s vision of leveraging communal resources for large-scale food production.

He assured stakeholders that government is constructing a preservative hall in Emene to store perishable goods for gradual sale, ensuring profitability for the state while supporting farmers.

He added that government would continue to provide agricultural incentives, such as crop seedlings, until farmers achieved self-sufficiency.

Mr. Ngene urged communities to act swiftly by providing land to ensure timely commencement of the project.

This, he said, is expected to redefine the agricultural landscape of Enugu State, promoting self-sufficiency and economic prosperity for the citizens.

Some of the traditional leaders present at the meeting expressed their commitment to mobilizing their communities for active participation.

They acknowledged the project’s potential to not only enhancing food security but also improve the livelihoods of rural dwellers through commercial farming.

One of the traditional rulers, HRH Igwe Mike Nnukwu of Obeagu Awkunanaw and HRH Igwe Chinedu Nwobodo Nyia of Ugwuaji, communities expressed gratitude to Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for the initiative, commending the project’s vision while seeking clarification on government benefits since the farm produce would remain under community ownership.

Some traditional rulers during the town hall meeting held in Enugu South LGA

The meeting was attended by the deputy Chairman, Enugu South LGA, Hon. Anthony Egbo, the Secretary, Barr. Kenneth Nnyamah, and the leader of the legislative arm, Hon. John Egbo.

Others are traditional rulers, representatives of Ohaneze Ndi Igbo, town union presidents, stakeholders and community leaders who lauded the project’s potential for economic and food security.

Enugu South LG Media