——— URGES GOVERNOR UZODIMMA TO DIRECT COLLABORATION BETWEEN MINISTRIES OF AGRICULTURE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT WITH EXECUTIVE CHAIRMEN OF LGA COUNCILS TO EMBARK ON THE ENHANCEMENT OF FOOD SECURITY AND ECONOMIC GROWTH
In a commendable move aimed at reawakening the consciousness of Imo people in Agriculture, to enhance food security, boost economic growth, improve living standards and reduce unemployment in the state, the Imo State House Of Assembly has urged His Excellency Governor Hope Uzodimma to direct collaboration between the Ministries of Agriculture and Local Government with the 27 Executive Chairmen of Local Government Councils through agriculture initiatives.
This was as a result of a Motion moved, during Plenary on Tuesday 08/10/2024, by the Member Representing Obowo State Constituency, Rt Honourable Barrister Kennedy Chidozie Ibeh.
Moving the Motion, Rt Honourable Kennedy Ibeh explained that Imo State has the capacity to become the food basket of the nation if deliberate and concerted efforts are made in agriculture, arguing that the 27 local government areas of the state have the potential to make it happen.
The vibrant lawmaker further explained that if each of the local government concentrates on specific crop production where it has comparative economic advantage, economic competitiveness would be enhanced among the local government areas, thereby better positioning the state.
Giving insight on the importance of agriculture and how it has contributed to the economic growth, reduced poverty and improved the living standards of many countries, Rt Honourable Kennedy Ibeh further explained that Thailand experienced economic stability through rice and earned over $6 billion in 2020, while Agriculture which is Brazil largest sector accounts for a 25% Gross Domestic Product, GDP, in soyabean and sugarcane export. According to him, while agriculture lifted over 700 million Chinese from poverty between 1981 and 2015, same agriculture reduced poverty rate in Ghana from 44.8% in 1992 to 18.9% in 2015, and Kenya tea farming supports over 560,000 small holder farmers.
In his words, the only voice from Obowo State Constituency said, *”There is hardly any crop that cannot be planted in Imo state, as its tropical climate and fertile soil makes it suitable for various crops. Even the Adapalm Industries in Ohaji/Egbema LGA can be replicated in every local government area. Before Oil was discovered, we were farmers. We should therefore be thinking out of the box, in case the oil dries up. With a population of over 5.4 million people with a square kilometer of 5100, our state can compete favourably with Benue state that has a square kilometer of 34,059″.*
“Now that the local government election has been conducted and chairmen inaugurated, this is an opportunity to ensure the potentials of these LGAs are put to use in agriculture. The Ministries of Land, Agriculture and Local Government should come together and make this initiative work, thereby crashing food prices”.
The ranking lawmaker thereafter beckoned on his colleagues to support the Motion in order to ensure increased productivity in agriculture in the state.
The Motion which was seconded by the Member Representing Oguta State Constituency, Hon Engr Gilbert Chiedozie Nwosu, was co-sponsored by 16 lawmakers as follows :
1. Rt Hon Amara Chyna Iwuanyanwu.
2. Hon Uche Francis Agabige.
3. Hon Sam Osuji.
4. Hon Innocent Ikpamezie.
5. Hon Kanayo Onyemaechi.
6. Hon Johnleoba Iheoha.
7. Hon Gilbert Nwosu.
8. Hon Emeka Ozurumba.
9. Hon Johnson Duru.
10. Hon Ikenna Ihezuo.
11. Hon Ugochukwu Amuchie.
12. Hon Ozioma Worship Ebonine.
13. Hon Chigozie Nwaneri.
14. Hon Francis Uzoma Osuoha.
15. Hon Bernard Ozoemelam.
16. Hon Obinna Egu.
Supporting the Motion, the following Ten Honourable Members made useful contributions :
1. Hon Engr Uche Francis Agabige (Orsu).
2. Hon Princewill Ugochukwu Amuchie (Aboh Mbaise).
3. Hon Kanayo Onyemaechi (Owerri west).
4. Hon Innocent Ikechukwu Ikpamezie (Mbaitoli).
5. Hon Ozioma Worship Ebonine (Njaba).
6. Hon Emeka Ozurumba (Isu).
7. Hon Kelechi Ofurum (Owerri North).
8. Hon Gilbert Nwosu (Oguta).
9. Hon Clinton Amadi (Owerri Municipal).
10. Hon Ernest Okey Udeze (Ideato North).
In their respective submissions, they commended Rt Hon Kennedy Ibeh for the Motion, which they described as people oriented and aimed at reawakening the consciousness of Imo people in agriculture and to assist in directing elected chairmen and councilors in taking right steps in revamping agriculture, and thereafter move the state from a consumption to production economy. The Motion was also likened to the OKOBI Initiative, which stands for One Kindred One Business Initiative, being driven by the State Government through the Office of the Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor. Furthermore, the Honourable Members explained that to ensure its efficiency and effectiveness, the House should oversight the implementation of the initiative.
Satisfied with contributions from Honourable Members, the Speaker, Rt Honourable Chike Olemgbe, put it to vote and it was unanimously adopted. Thereafter, he Ruled as follows :
Be It Resolved By This Honourable House To Urge His Excellency The Governor To ;
* Direct the relevant Ministries to collaborate with the 27 Local Government Councils of the State to Prioritize Agriculture for food security and economic growth of Imo State.
* Charge each Local Government Council to identify and focus on specific production leveraging its comparative advantages.
* Direct the Ministries of Agriculture and Local Government to provide necessary support and training to the Local Government Councils for the successful implementation of this initiative.
The Clerk was directed to communicate the Resolution of the House to His Excellency the Governor.
Author Credit: Citizen Ikenna Samuelson Iwuoha