The Anambra–Imo River Basin Development Authority (AIRBDA) has called on the Abia State Government to support efforts to revive over 1,300 hectares of farmland previously used for rice, cassava and fish production.

The Chairman of AIRBDA, Senator Emmanuel Anosike, made the appeal during a courtesy visit to Governor Alex Otti at his country home in Nvosi, Isialangwa South Local Government Area. 

The visit formed part of the Authority’s regional tour across South-East states.

Anosike lamented the decline in productivity across the farmland, attributing the situation to weakened collaboration between the Authority and state governments. 

He noted that the Federal Government’s declaration of a state of emergency on food security makes stronger partnerships essential to revitalise agricultural production.

He further emphasised AIRBDA’s readiness to work closely with Abia State and the South-East Development Commission, particularly in agriculture. 

The visit, he stated, was to introduce members of the management committee and identify areas of collaboration, with Abia chosen as the starting point due to its strategic importance in agriculture.

Anosike commended Governor Otti for improved infrastructure and his commitment to leaving Abia better than he met it.

In response, Governor Otti pledged full commitment to partnering with AIRBDA to transform Abia’s agricultural sector. 

He also highlighted that improved power supply has boosted economic activities, particularly in Aba and Umuahia, and urged the Authority to focus on achievable and impactful outcomes.

The governor approved the establishment of a joint technical committee to operationalise the collaboration, directing the Commissioners for Agriculture, Lands and Environment, and the Managing Director of the Abia State Investment Agency to engage directly with the Authority.

Source: Punch News
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