The Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC in the March 11 polls, High Chief Ikechi Emenike, has stressed the need for Abia and her people to embrace agriculture fully and rely less on proceeds from oil, adding that if elected, he will pursue sound agricultural policies and programmes.
He noted that as countries of the world are diversifying as well as looking for other means of keeping their economy afloat, it is also expected that resources are channeled towards that in Abia State.
High Chief Emenike, who stated these on Friday, said Abia can directly stimulate the planting and processing of ginger, bitter cola, palm trees, cashew among others, emphasizing that these products are in global demand.
He added that apart from being in demand or sought after, Abia State would be making billions of naira if resources of the state are channeled into agriculture, maintaining that it provides a lifeline for a state that has depended heavily on FAAC.
In his words, “After years of dependence on oil and FAAC, the state has not achieved much as a people. Instead of developing the State, Abia has seen a decline in almost every facet of the economy of the State. The time has now come for all to join hands and promote agricultural practices within the State and avoid over dependence on oil and FAAC”.
High Chief Emenike, pledged to modernise and intensify value-added agricultural practices within the State if elected, stressing that the huge arable lands in Abia State will be channeled into good use if he emerges as Governor come Saturday, March 11th, 2023.
