Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has announced plans to harness the State’s agricultural potential as part of efforts to drive industrialization, achieve self-sufficiency in food production, and position Abia as a net exporter of agricultural produce.
The Governor also announced the constitution of a steering committee to be headed by himself and comprising representatives of the State Government, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), PAYAZA Africa Limited and other relevant stakeholders, to develop a practical framework for harnessing Abia’s comparative advantages in agriculture.
Governor Otti made the announcement on Thursday, October 15, 2026, while speaking at the third edition of the Michael Okpara Memorial Lecture Series held at MOUAU, Umudike.
The Governor, who recently returned from Ethiopia, where he accompanied the Vice President of Nigeria, Sen. Kashim Shettima, GCON, to the inaugural Nigeria-Ethiopia Nutrition Leadership Exchange Forum, emphasized the need to combine the agricultural vision of the late Dr. Michael Iheonukara Okpara, former Premier of the defunct Eastern Region, with modern technology to transform agriculture into a major driver of economic growth.
According to Governor Otti, the proposed committee will identify agricultural commodities in which Abia has comparative advantage and recommend the investments, infrastructure, and technological innovations required to develop them into commercially viable enterprises.
“I want us to start with Ulonna farm settlements. We may not go back to what Michael Okpara did in his day. We want to take it to this level now, where we introduce technology, and we don’t only want to be self-sufficient in food production; we want to be a net exporter of food from Abia State,” Gov. Otti stated.
While welcoming the guest lecturer’s proposal to establish an Agricultural Technology Hub at MOUAU, Governor Otti said such an initiative would complement the State’s plans for technology-driven agriculture and invited the lecturer to be part of the steering committee.
In his remarks, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Comrade Fidelis Edeh, commended Governor Otti for his performance and consistency, noting that he has remained in the political party that brought him to power and has proven that good governance is possible.
He noted that if the late Dr. Michael Okpara were alive, he would remind leaders that true leadership is demonstrated through courage, integrity, sacrifice, and service.
“True leadership is demonstrated through courage, integrity, sacrifice, unity, and tangible contributions to society – not merely through longevity in office or the positions one occupies,” Comrade Edeh stated.
Earlier in her address, the Vice-Chancellor of MOUAU, Professor Ursula Ngozi Akanwa, said Dr. Okpara’s vision demonstrated how agriculture could drive economic prosperity, industrial growth, employment generation and social advancement through strategic investments in research, education, rural development and infrastructure.
She said bearing the name of the late Premier is both an honour and a solemn responsibility for the University, adding that the institution must justify the distinction through the quality of its graduates, the relevance of its research and contributions to agricultural development.
“Our task is to move beyond commemoration to action, translating his ideals into practical solutions that address contemporary challenges,” she said.
She described the theme of the lecture, “Leveraging Technology in Agriculture: Building Digital Rails for Food Security, Agro-Enterprise and Financial Inclusion,” as timely, given the opportunities presented by emerging technologies to transform agricultural production and improve farmers’ livelihoods.
She added that the institution’s priorities align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Governor Otti’s agricultural reforms, particularly in food security, commercial farming, improved productivity and sustainable value chains.
The Chairman of the occasion and oil magnate, Prince Engr. Dr. Arthur Eze, who was represented by Prince Dr. Emeka Eze, described Governor Otti as an icon and banner carrier of modern Ndi Igbo, saying, “He is the only leader resembling the man we are celebrating today.”
Prince Eze noted that Dr. Okpara transformed the then Eastern Region into an industrial hub, created employment for young people, and led with conviction. He described him as a man of impeccable character who believed governance is not about sharing money but developing people, and called on all to emulate him.
Delivering the memorial lecture, the Guest Lecturer, Mr. Seyi Ebenezer, called on Nigerians, particularly young people, to rethink agriculture by embracing technology, digital innovation and modern business models rather than viewing farming solely through the traditional lens of land cultivation.
He urged students and aspiring entrepreneurs to explore opportunities in drone technology, automated irrigation, artificial intelligence, algorithmic credit scoring, supply-chain logistics and cross-border financial technology to make agriculture more productive and profitable.
He argued that technology should not replace farmers or the soil, but empower farmers to improve the quality, productivity and market value of their produce.
Mr. Ebenezer also saluted Governor Otti for fixing Abia State and changing its negative narratives.
The event, which featured the unveiling of a statue of Dr. Michael Okpara, attracted many dignitaries, including the son of the late Premier, Chief Uzodinma Okpara.
Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
October 15, 2026.
