The Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State, Dr Kelechi Anosike, has pledged to establish a strong partnership with farmers as part of measures to ensure food security, create jobs and expand economic opportunities across the state.
Anosike made the commitment in Umuahia, when the leadership of the Abia State Farmers Association visited his campaign secretariat. The farmers had earlier announced their adoption of Anosike as their preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election, citing his proposed agricultural and welfare programmes.
Responding to the farmers, Anosike expressed satisfaction with their decision, saying the development demonstrated growing interest in the policy programmes being presented by the various governorship candidates.
He said his proposed administration would pursue a people-centred government in which food security and agricultural production would occupy a central position.
According to him, his administration would implement Operation Feed Abia (OFA) as a deliberate policy to increase food production and ensure that residents have access to affordable food.
Anosike said agriculture would serve as a major pillar of his administration, adding that farming would be modernised and mechanised to attract young people and make agriculture more profitable.
He also pledged to restore agricultural extension services across the state, explaining that extension workers would provide farmers with professional guidance on improved farming methods, appropriate fertilizer application, seedlings and other modern agricultural practices.
The PDP candidate expressed concern over what he described as excessive use of chemicals in farming and its implications for the quality, preservation and export potential of agricultural produce. He said better training and extension services would help farmers adopt appropriate agronomic practices.
Anosike further promised farm grants and other forms of support for farmers, stressing that farmers would become strategic partners of his proposed administration.
He said the government would work with farmers to increase production for local consumption and export, while providing training on packaging, standardization and other requirements necessary to make Abia agricultural products competitive in international markets.
Another component of his agricultural agenda, he said, would be the revitalization of farm settlements through modern technology and mechanisation. He said the policy would be designed to make agriculture attractive to youths and create opportunities in agro-allied businesses.
Anosike also identified cattle rearing, poultry, piggery and other agricultural value chains as areas capable of creating employment and wealth for young people.
He said his administration would establish an Abia Rural Development Agency to coordinate rural development, including the opening and improvement of rural roads and other infrastructure needed to support agricultural production.
The PDP candidate also approved the creation of a Farmers Directorate within his campaign council, with participation from farmers across the state. The idea which was relayed by the Director General of the campaign, Hon Obinna Nwachukwu, would provide a structured platform for farmers to participate in the campaign and articulate their interests.
Anosike assured the farmers that support for the agricultural sector would begin from the point his administration assumes office, describing agriculture as a major source of employment, wealth creation and food security.
Earlier, Chairman of the Anosike Campaign Council and former Nigerian Ambassador to Argentina, Ambassador Empire Kanu, commended the farmers for identifying with the PDP candidate. He drew parallels between Anosike’s agricultural proposals and the agricultural policies associated with the administration of the late Dr Michael Okpara, former Premier of the Eastern Region.
Also speaking, the PDP State Chairman and Deputy Governorship Candidate, Elder Abraham Amah, said the party regarded farmers as partners in governance and pledged support for irrigation, agricultural investment and increased farm output.
Amah said the proposed PDP administration would prioritise policies capable of improving farmers’ productivity and ensuring affordable food for residents.
The chairman of the campaign council, also commended the farmers for their support and called for greater inclusion of farmers in the campaign structure. He advocated a dedicated directorate that would coordinate farmers’ welfare and agricultural activities.
Also the leadership of the Abia State Farmers Association had, in its resolution, identified Operation Feed Abia, restoration of agricultural extension services, farm mechanisation, farm grants, revitalisation of farm settlements, rural development, job creation and food security as key reasons for adopting Anosike.
The association also resolved to mobilize its members across the 17 Local Government Areas to participate peacefully in the electoral process and engage with the campaign on policies concerning agriculture, food production, rural development and agricultural value chains.
