Abia Embraces Agro-Industrial Initiative to Spur Growth

Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, has pledged that the state government will leverage the opportunities provided by the Nigeria Agribusiness and Agro-Industrial Development Initiative (NAADI) to drive economic growth and industrial development in the state.
The Governor noted that Abia is richly endowed in agriculture and remains a major producer of palm oil, cassava, fabrics, leather products, cocoa, cashew nuts, and rubber.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State, Ctz. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha.
Governor Otti made the remarks on Wednesday while receiving a delegation from the Nigeria Agribusiness and Agro-Industrial Development Initiative (NAADI), led by its Director, Mr. Felix Charles, at the Governor’s Office.
According to the Governor:
“We are already looking forward to taking advantage of this initiative.
“I believe that as you engage with my team, we will begin to unveil the details and determine how best to work together in order to maximize the opportunities presented by this initiative.
“One thing I can assure you is that my team is fully prepared,” Governor Otti stated.
The Governor explained that the initiative aligns closely with his administration’s campaign manifesto and policy direction, particularly in the areas of agriculture, industrialisation, and value-chain development.
He thanked NAADI for considering Abia State as one of the beneficiaries of the programme.
“If you take a look at our manifesto and the promises we made to the people of Abia, you will discover that many of the objectives NAADI seeks to achieve are already captured in our development agenda.
“Therefore, I sincerely thank you for your visit and for considering Abia State as a beneficiary of this initiative,” he said.
Governor Otti further stressed that no nation can achieve sustainable economic growth by relying solely on the production of primary commodities without investing in processing and value addition across the agricultural value chain.
He reiterated that Abia is naturally blessed and serves as a major source of palm oil, cassava, fabrics, leather products, cocoa, cashew nuts, and rubber.
According to him, without adequate processing and industrialisation, these products would continue to generate only minimal economic benefits beyond subsistence levels.
Earlier in his remarks, the Director of the Nigeria Agribusiness and Agro-Industrial Development Initiative (NAADI), Mr. Felix Charles, described the programme as a Federal Government initiative aimed at promoting increased participation in agriculture, enhancing agribusiness development, and training stakeholders on agricultural value chains.
He added that the initiative is also designed to equip participants with the knowledge and capacity required to access international markets and compete effectively in the global agricultural economy.
Mr. Charles disclosed that NAADI has already been established in eight states across the country, noting that Abia is privileged to become the ninth state where the initiative will be domesticated and officially launched.
He commended Governor Otti for his transformational projects and development-driven leadership, assuring him that Abia State stands to benefit immensely from the initiative’s core pillars, including capacity building, agribusiness promotion, improved market access, and bridging funding gaps within the agricultural sector.
Mr. Charles also reaffirmed NAADI’s commitment to partnering with the Abia State Government to advance agricultural development and economic prosperity in the state.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE; the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Ph.D.; the Honourable Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Dr. Mrs. Salome Obiukwu; the Special Adviser on Trade and Commerce, Chief Nwaka Inem; and other senior government appointees.