The Ebonyi State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mrs. Princess Nkechinyere Iyioku, has officially flagged off the distribution of fertilizers to farmers in the state.
The occasion which took place at Iboko the Headquarters of Izzi Local government Area, drew the presence of farmers, traditional rulers and other stakeholders across the Local Government.
The Commissioner who expresses joy said, “Today is a special day as we are witnessing the uncommon show of love and support of a great farmer, an Agriculture oriented Governor and the great son of Izzi land, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State.
“Today’s assignment is simple. We are here to distribute to real and genuine farmers, agricultural input of fertilizers as driven through the approval of the Governor. Over the years, Ebonyians have been known as peasant farmers, but the question is, why are we not competing with those major agricultural states like Kebbi, Benue, Taraba, etc?
“It is on this basis that our amiable Governor in his usual show of love and supports, has directed that we must hit the ground running by making sure that our farmers are supported to make greater yield in the farming season as a way to improving on Agriculture in the State, hence, his kind approval of over 13,000 bags of fertilizer for farmers across the state”.
She further disclosed that Governor Nwifuru last week approved a counter part fund of one hundred million Naira (N100m) to IFAD for input distribution to the state farmers in eight Local Government Areas including Izzi Local government.
The Commissioner in the other hands urge the beneficiaries to take it as a great opportunity and seriously utilize it very well to improve in their farming as profession. She warned them not to sell the fertilizers and other inputs as the Ministry will be watching over them for more supports.
Iyioku also thanked the Izzi Local Government Council Chairman Barr Steve Nwankpa, for providing conducive environment for the flag off exercise in his area. She assured the Chairman that the Ministry will continue to partner with his office to ensure that farmers in Izzi are more productive.
The Council Chairman Barr. Nwankpa, on his part, commended the State Governor Rt.Hon. Nwifuru for taking the right steps by choosing his home to flag off the fertilizer distribution in the state.
He also thanked the Commissioner for Agriculture, Mrs. Iyioku on her efforts which made the flag-off possible. The Chairman promised that he will not disappoint the Commissioner by making sure that the fertilizers reach to the hands of the genuine farmers in the Izzi Local government Area.
The Chairman added that he will order the security personnels in various communities to arrest any farmer who may decide to sell the fertilizers.
