Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti has commenced the disbursement of over N900 million interest-free agricultural empowerment loans to 298 Abia farmers trained at the CSS farm in Nasarawa State.
Addressing the beneficiaries at Government House, Umuahia, Governor Otti, represented by his Chief of Staff, Caleb Ajagba, emphasized his administration’s commitment to creating a new pathway of wealth for citizens of the state.
He stressed the importance of providing the necessary support to enable them to make the most of the state’s abundant resources.
The governor noted that agriculture is a cornerstone of his administration’s strategy for economic development and job creation. He remarked, “This initiative sets a foundation for a new model of empowerment designed to effectively make our people financially independent in the long run, working for themselves and add real value to our gross domestic output.”
Governor Otti further unveiled a series of forthcoming programs aimed at easing the challenges faced by residents of Abia. He reaffirmed the Labour Party government’s commitment to a different governance approach, focusing on improving the economic and social conditions of ordinary people over the past 16 months.
The governor expressed confidence in the beneficiaries’ capacity to effectively use the loans and urged them to manage the funds wisely. He assured them that further support and additional funding would be available for those who show dedication to the project.
In his address, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Cliff Agbaeze, shared plans to enhance the impact of the training program by encouraging each beneficiary to train three others. He also announced the government’s intention to incorporate modern agricultural practices into the educational curriculum starting from foundational levels.
To ensure accountability and track the beneficiaries’ progress, the ministry has established a comprehensive monitoring schedule.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Chioma Onyekachi expressed heartfelt gratitude to Governor Otti for the opportunity to receive training at the CSS Farm. She assured the governor that they would utilize the loans responsibly and significantly contribute to food security in Abia State.
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