The Mayor of Ikwuano Local Government Council, Dr. Anthony Nwaubani, has joined prominent dignitaries at the 3rd Memorial Series Lecture in honour of the late Dr. Michael Iheonukara Okpara, former Premier of the Eastern Region, at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, where Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, unveiled plans to revive the Ulonna Farm Settlement as part of efforts to reposition the state as a net exporter of food.
Nwaubani attended the memorial lecture in his capacity as the host Mayor of the university community, joining the Governor, the university's management, members of the academic community, government officials, industry stakeholders, alumni, and students to celebrate the enduring legacy of Dr. Okpara and examine the role of agricultural innovation in economic transformation.
Addressing the gathering, Gov. Otti emphasised the need to translate Dr. Okpara's agricultural vision into practical initiatives capable of stimulating economic growth, improving food production, and creating sustainable employment opportunities. He disclosed that his administration would begin its proposed agricultural transformation initiative with the Ulonna Farm Settlement, supported by strategic planning, modern technology, and government investment.
The Governor explained that a working group comprising representatives of government and the private sector would be constituted to develop a comprehensive implementation framework for the initiative, which he intends to lead personally. He also pledged the state government's financial support for the project, stressing that deliberate planning and investment were essential to achieving its objectives.
Reflecting on his recent visit to the Netherlands, Otti said the experience reinforced his conviction that technology-driven agriculture could transform economies and enhance food security. He called for the integration of artificial intelligence, robotics, mechanisation, and other emerging technologies into farming, noting that Abia must move beyond subsistence agriculture and develop commercially viable agricultural enterprises.
He further identified oil palm, cocoa, avocado, and cashew as potential areas of investment, explaining that the proposed initiative would consider the commercial viability of different crops, their production requirements, and the time needed to generate returns. He expressed optimism that with proper planning and sustained investment, Abia could achieve food self-sufficiency and become a net exporter of agricultural produce.
Otti also called on Abia indigenes, including professionals and investors in the diaspora, to contribute their expertise towards the state's agricultural development agenda. He maintained that revitalising farm settlements and embracing modern agricultural practices would provide a foundation for expanding production, creating employment, and strengthening the state's economy.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Professor Ursula Ngozi Akanwa, described Dr. Michael Okpara as an enduring symbol of purposeful leadership and development anchored on human welfare. She said his vision of economic prosperity, industrial growth, and social advancement through strategic investments in agriculture and research remained relevant to Nigeria's contemporary development needs.
Prof. Akanwa highlighted the transformative potential of precision farming, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, digital extension services, satellite monitoring, smart irrigation, and mechanisation in improving agricultural productivity, reducing production costs, and strengthening food security. She stressed, however, that technological advancement must be accompanied by practical solutions tailored to the realities of farmers, the environment, and the national economy.
The Vice-Chancellor reaffirmed the university's commitment to academic excellence, research productivity, innovation, and human capital development. She also emphasised the importance of stronger partnerships among government, industry, research institutions, and farming communities to facilitate technology transfer, commercialise research findings, and generate sustainable economic opportunities.
Professor Akanwa expressed appreciation to Gov. Otti for his administration's support for the institution, noting the importance of continued collaboration in advancing agricultural research, infrastructure development, and the training of graduates equipped to address contemporary agricultural challenges.
The memorial lecture brought together stakeholders from academia, government, industry, and the wider community to reflect on Dr. Okpara's contributions to agricultural development and economic transformation, while exploring practical strategies for applying his development philosophy to present-day challenges.
Nwaubani's participation displayed Ikwuano's role as host to the university community and highlighted the importance of collaboration among local and state governments, academic institutions, and other stakeholders in advancing agricultural development and sustainable growth.
