The Chairman of Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers and Eze Udo of Ata Igbo Ukwu kingdom in Umuzomgbo, Arochukwu Local Government Area, His Royal Majesty, Eze Linus Nto Mbah, has called on government authorities at all levels to encourage Nigerian youths to engage in farming.
According to The PUNCH, the monarch shared this advice during the New Yam festival, ‘Iri Ji’ 2024, held at his palace over the weekend.
He emphasized that promoting agriculture among the youth is essential to ensuring food security across Nigeria.
Eze Mbah urged, “I encourage the Federal Government and the state governments to encourage our people to go back to farming to fight food insecurity in Nigeria.”
He further elaborated, “If everybody eats and farm well in Nigeria, there will be no insecurity of food, instead, there will be enough food for all to eat.”
Addressing the inefficiencies in current agricultural practices, he criticized the outdated farming methods prevalent in the country.
“Farmers in the country need a mechanized and modern farming system. I would also like the Federal Government to help Nigeria farmers through the provision of agricultural loans to enable them to produce a lot of food and give them equipment to farm with,” he stated.
The monarch expressed concern over the growing disinterest in farming among the youth, describing it as unfortunate.
He remarked, “Youths prefer going to live in the cities doing nothing while trying to make money through the unusual way,” and urged them to “go back home and cultivate the bush and make food available through farming.”
Eze Mbah also made a passionate plea to the government to provide financial support and necessary farming inputs to encourage youth participation in agriculture.
He added, “I want to use this opportunity to call Nigerians to join hands with government and our leaders at all levels to fight food insecurity through adequate participation in farming.”
He highlighted the potential of agriculture to address hunger and boost the economy, saying, “In the face of hunger and starvation in the land, we can leverage the gains in agriculture to feed ourselves, feed the nation, export to other countries and grow the economy. This requires the efforts of all and sundry.”
The monarch urged the government to support farmers, especially the youth and women, by providing loans and logistical assistance.
He believes this would help curb the “get-rich-quick syndrome among the youths” and enable women to better support their families.
Eze Mbah also commended the ongoing infrastructure projects in the state, particularly the reconstruction of key roads that are vital for agricultural development.
He praised the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, for his efforts, saying, “I wish to use this opportunity to thank and commend the governor of Abia State, Alex Otti for his transformational projects in the state, particularly, his commitment to fixing economically strategic roads. Our local council and my community are part of the clans that are benefiting from the ongoing efforts of Governor Otti in the reconstruction of the Ndiokereke-Arochukwu road and the just flagged off Ohafia – Arochukwu road.”
He pointed out that these road projects will greatly assist farmers in transporting their produce to markets, thereby boosting their income.
Reflecting on the significance of the New Yam festival, Eze Mbah explained that it is a time for the community to celebrate their agricultural achievements by harvesting and enjoying the new yams while giving thanks to God for a successful farming season.
Representing the Governor at the event, the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Ikechukwu Emetu, emphasized that the state’s focus on road construction and rehabilitation is aimed at promoting agriculture and supporting the farmers.
