The Abia State Government has assured residents of the government’s commitment to reviving all abandoned farm settlements in the state for increased food production.
Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, the state deputy governor, gave the assurance during an inspection tour of Ukwa Nkporo Palm oil Plantation on Saturday, where he decried the lack of attention by the past administration over such massive investment. While addressing newsmen, Engr. Emetu grieved over the abandoned palm estate and its moribund state due to lack of political will by the previous administration.
In a press statement signed by Authority Michael Ukpabi, the deputy governors aide, Emetu reiterated the commitment of Dr. Alex Otti-led administration towards developing and improving the agricultural sector for food security, job creation and improved IGR. The deputy governor was accompanied on the tour by the Deputy Mayor of Ohafia Local Government Area Hon. Mkpa Oku Uka. Hon. Mkpa thanked the deputy governor for the tour as he explained that the farm settlement became moribund due to abandonment by past governments.
He pleaded with the state government to step into the palm estate to ensure its revival, community development and for the presence of the Government to be felt in the community.
He lamented that the neighboring community of Oso Edda in Ebonyi State had been encroaching into the farm to harvest the yields, a development he said poses threat to the people of Ukwa Nkporo Community.
He explained that this has led to various clashes between the two communities. He, therefore, expressed optimism that the Deputy Governors visit will yield the desired result of the revival of the palm plantation.
