Umuahia, Abia State – June 25, 2025
The Chief Whip of the Abia State House of Assembly and member representing Umuahia South State Constituency, Hon. Emeka Obioma, has called for a shift in the way agriculture is perceived and practiced in Nigeria.
In a statement on youth empowerment and rural development, Obioma declared that agriculture should no longer be treated merely as a means of survival but as a profitable and strategic business.
According to the lawmaker, agriculture remains one of the most viable sectors for economic growth, food security, and employment generation if approached with the right mindset and supported with effective policies and investments.
“We must change our mindset,” Obioma said. “Agriculture is not a survival tactic. It is a business. A serious business. And until we start treating it as such; with proper planning, funding, training, and technology, we will not harness its full potential.”
The lawmaker emphasized the importance of empowering youths to take agriculture seriously by creating agricultural hubs, modernizing farm settlements, and establishing access to credit and markets. He noted that the days of crude farming methods should be left behind, and that government at all levels must prioritize mechanization and agri-entrepreneurship.
“Young people must begin to see themselves not just as farmers, but as agripreneurs,” he continued.
“From production to processing, packaging, and export, there are numerous profitable opportunities in the agricultural value chain. Let us stop seeing the farm as punishment and start seeing it as profit.”
Hon. Obioma also reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that legislative actions in Abia State reflect the need to strengthen the agricultural sector. He pledged to sponsor and support motions that would ensure land accessibility for willing youth farmers, provision of farm inputs, and linkages with financial institutions for soft loans.
“We cannot talk about food security or ending unemployment without talking about agriculture,” he said.
“My office is working with cooperatives and agricultural extension officers to make Umuahia South a model in agri-based enterprise.”
In conclusion, Hon. Obioma urged both the public and private sectors to partner in developing agricultural policies that would truly transform rural communities, stimulate economic activity, and inspire a new generation of commercial farmers.
“Let’s make agriculture attractive, viable, and rewarding. That’s how we secure our future,” he concluded.
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