Abia State Government has commended the disbursement of interest free loan to the successful 302 young farmers that were trained earlier in the year by CSS Farms in Nasarawa State.
Speaking on the occasion held at the International Conference Centre , Umuahia, Governor, Alex Otti reaffirmed his administration’s determination to continue developing new pathways for wealth creation for Abians.
The Governor represented by his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba noted the decision is geared towards providing the citizens with the needed support to make the most out of the resources across their communities and congratulated the beneficiaries.
“This initiative is strategic and showcases our commitment to making agriculture a cornerstone of economic development.
“The Labour Party Government is committed to innovative approaches, as evidenced by our governance over the past 16 months. We are focused on uplifting the economic and social conditions of our people,” he stated.
He disclosed that the State Government will in the next few weeks announce new sets of programme to cushion the effect of the hardship many individuals and families are passing through presently, pointing out that he is mindful of the current state of hardship in the land.
He reminded the beneficiaries that government expects much from them, adding that a strict monitoring schedule has been developed by the State Ministry of Agriculture and the Agricultural Development Programme, ADP to ensure that the funds are judiciously utilized.
In his speech, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Cliff Agbaeze, while commending Governor Otti for fulfilling the promises to the beneficiaries expressed confidence that the objective of the policy which is transforming agriculture from a mere subsistence engagement to a business will be achieved.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Chioma Onyekachi thanked Governor Alex Otti for his sustained support to them throughout their training at CSS Farms in Nasarawa State and assured him that they will put the funds into good use.