Enugu State governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, has said that the huge potential inherent in agriculture makes investment in the sector an economic imperative.
The governor was speaking at the third graduation of trainees from the Songhai Agricultural Project (CADP) held at Obinofia Ndi Uno, in Ezeagu Local Government Area.
He noted that the importance of agriculture as a viable economic activity is underscored by his administration’s interest in commercial
farming, pledging to continue with the Songhai Farm initiative in the state.
“With the increase in population and the nation’s dwindling oil revenue occasioned by glut at the international market resulting in recession, there is an urgent need for every government to embrace farming as a way out of the doldrums,” said the governor who was
represented at the event by his deputy, Mrs. Cecelia Ezeilo.
Ugwuanyi added that the huge attention farming enjoys in his administration stems from the vision to make Enugu State self-sufficient in food production and, also, to attain the capacity to export to other countries.
The Enugu State commissioner for agriculture, Mr. Mike Eneh, said that
participants have within the training period benefited from a number of programmes such as aquaculture, cassava multiplication, cashew
cultivation, among other skills.
According to one of the graduands, Mr. Tama Anayo Adolphous, the training has provided them ample opportunity to be productive.
He thanked Governor Ugwuanyi for his support, adding that the N2.5m grant
from the World Bank to each trainee and the immense support given by the state government will help them realize their dream to become agricultural entrepreneurs.
