Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr Alex Otti, OFR, says his government is ready to leverage on the advantages of the Nigeria Agribusiness and Agro Industrial Development Initiatives (NAADI) to grow the economy of the State.
The Governor stated this on Wednesday, May 6th, during the visit of the delegation of Nigeria Agribusiness and Agro Industrial Development Initiatives (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.
“I believe that as you sit down with my team, we will begin to unveil the details and know how to work with you to take full advantage of this initiative that you brought.
“One thing I can assure you is that my team is very ready,” Gov. Otti assured.
The State Chief Executive noted that the initiative is in line with his campaign manifesto and thanked NAADI for considering Abia as one of the beneficiaries of the initiative.
“If you have a look at our manifesto and my promise to our people here, you will find that a lot of the things that NAADI targets to achieve have been documented in the manifesto.
“So, I want to thank you very, very much for your visit and thank you for considering us as a beneficiary,” Gov. stated.
The Governor said that it is difficult for a country to grow just by producing primary products without being involved in improving and processing the products in the actual value chains.
Gov. Otti noted that Abia is blessed and is a major source of palm oil, cassava, fabrics, leather works, cocoa, cashew nuts, and rubber, adding that without processing them, they would not add much value to the people, other than at the subsistence level.
Earlier, the Director, Nigeria Agribusiness and Agro Industrial Development Initiatives (NAADI), Mr Felix Charles, said that the project is a federal government initiative aimed at promoting greater agricultural participation and training of people on agricultural products value chains, as well as helping stakeholders to know how to access the international market.
He noted that NAADI is already established in 8 States across the country, adding that Abia is privileged to be the 9th State where NAADI would be domesticated and launched.
Mr. Charles, who appreciated
Governor Otti’s transformational projects, said that Abia would benefit from the key pillars of the initiative, including bridging the capacity gap, promoting agribusiness, promoting and improving market access constraints, and bridging the funding gaps, among other benefits, and assured the Governor of the commitment of NAADI to partner with Abia State Government.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, P.hD, the Honourable Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Dr. Mrs. Salome Obiukwu, the Special Adviser on Trade and Commerce, Chief Nwaka Inem, among other senior Government appointees.
Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
May 6th, 2026.
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