Dr. Kelechi Anosike, the 2027 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State, has pledged to revive the agricultural revolution initiated by the late Premier of the defunct Eastern Region, Dr. Michael Okpara. This initiative aims to ensure food security and produce food for export in Abia State. Anosike made this promise at the 2026 Iwa Ji Ohuhu Festival held in Umuahia North Local Government Area.
Anosike unveiled his Agricultural Welfare philosophy, which focuses on food security and export. He introduced "Operation Feed Abia," an active back-to-farm state policy that encourages massive food production. According to Anosike, his administration will provide food for everyone, and every individual will have a farm. This policy aims to address the current food scarcity in the state.
Under Anosike's government, Abians struggling to afford one square meal a day will enjoy abundance. He assured that individuals who currently struggle to eat one meal a day will have three square meals when he becomes Governor in 2027. Anosike emphasized that there will be surplus food, and nobody will go to bed with an empty stomach again.
Anosike plans to equip, retrofit, and modernize farm settlements established by the late Okpara with modern facilities. These facilities will include ICT, sporting, and relaxation centers to make farming attractive to youths. By doing so, Anosike aims to encourage young people to engage in farming.
Anosike also promised to reintroduce agricultural extension workers to train farmers on best agronomic practices. This move will help check over-chemicalization, which has made Nigerian agricultural produce unfit for export and prone to quick spoilage. He noted that over-chemicalization often spoils crops, making them unsuitable for export.
Anosike's administration will mandate local government areas to assist farmers with tractors and machinery to clear and till farmlands. This initiative aims to reduce costs and labor, especially for communities practicing rotational cropping. Additionally, Anosike promised farm grants, inputs, and cooperative financing to support farmers.
Anosike linked agricultural prosperity to economic welfare and wealth creation. He plans to introduce cooperative economics and financing, encouraging cooperatives to register with a bank that his administration will set up, called Traders Micro-finance Bank. Anosike also promised to review the Abia State Traditional Rulers Council Regulation Order to double the monthly stipend of royal fathers and cater to youth leaders who contribute to peace and community development.
Key points
- Anosike's "Operation Feed Abia" policy aims to ensure food security and produce food for export.
- Anosike plans to modernize farm settlements and reintroduce agricultural extension workers.
- Anosike's administration will provide farm grants, inputs, and cooperative financing to support farmers.
