By Iheanyi Enwerem
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has reiterated his administration’s commitment to positioning Imo as Nigeria’s agricultural hub through climate-smart and sustainable farming practices aimed at enhancing food security.
The Governor made this known on Wednesday in Owerri at a conference titled “Climate Smart and Sustainable Agriculture to Enhance Food Security in Imo State,” organised by the Imo State Community, Europe.
In a press release from Dr. Uzopuo Charles Nnamdi, Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Uzodimma who was represented at the event by the Deputy Governor, Her Excellency Lady Chinyere Ihuoma Ekomaru, PhD, described the conference as timely and strategic, noting that it reflects the unwavering commitment of Imo indigenes in the diaspora to the state’s development.
“I am honoured to be part of this conference focused on climate change, sustainable agriculture and food security in Imo State. The commitment of our diaspora community to the growth of Imo is commendable and will never be taken for granted,” he said.
The Governor outlined key initiatives of his administration to support agricultural growth, including the construction of roads across the 27 Local Government Areas to ease the transportation of farm produce, as well as the establishment of the Imo Land Information Service Centre to guarantee easier access to land for agricultural and investment purposes.
He commended Imolites in Europe for their initiative and assured them of the state government’s readiness to partner with all relevant stakeholders to actualise the vision of making Imo State Nigeria’s agricultural hub, before formally declaring the conference open.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the Imo State Community, Europe, Dr. Emmanuel Ahanonu, thanked farmers and professionals in the diaspora for investing in Imo State in the spirit of “aku rụọ ụlọ,” describing it as patriotism at its peak.
Dr. Ahanonu warned that climate change poses a serious threat to food security, stressing the need for collective action and strategic discussions on modern agricultural techniques to address the challenge. He called for broad collaboration to define a clear roadmap for an agricultural revolution in Imo State, while appreciating Governor Uzodimma and his Deputy for their passion and commitment to the state’s development.
In his goodwill message while breaking the kola nut, Eze Dr. Emereuwaonu Njoku, Eze Udo Nguru of Ngor-Okpala, lauded the Imo State Government for what he described as rapid and remarkable development under Governor Uzodimma, noting that the achievements have “marvelled the world,” particularly Imolites who returned home during the yuletide.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the Director-General of the Imo State Investment Promotion Agency, Professor Jude Nzeakor, and Professor Nnamdi Obiaraeri of the Faculty of Law, Imo State University (IMSU).