In a significant demonstration of its commitment to food security, agricultural transformation, and rural economic development, the Enugu State Government has officially flagged off the statewide distribution of agricultural inputs to registered farmers across all 260 political wards in the state.
The initiative, which is part of the administration’s strategic agenda to boost agricultural productivity and improve the livelihoods of farmers, will see thousands of registered farmers receive free improved seedlings, fertilizers, cassava stems, and other essential farm inputs to support increased crop production during the farming season.
The flag-off ceremony attracted government officials, agricultural stakeholders, development partners, community leaders, and farmers from across the state, all of whom commended the administration for its sustained investment in the agricultural sector.
Speaking during the event, the Commissioner for the Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation, Enugu State, Dr. Patrick Ubru, described the initiative as another milestone in Governor Peter Mbah’s unwavering commitment to repositioning agriculture as a major driver of economic growth, food sufficiency, and employment generation in Enugu State.
Dr. Ubru urged all beneficiaries to make judicious use of the agricultural inputs provided, emphasizing that the free distribution of improved seedlings, fertilizers, and cassava stems was intended to enhance productivity and improve household incomes.
He encouraged the farmers to justify the confidence reposed in them by the government by cultivating their farms diligently and becoming ambassadors of the state’s agricultural transformation agenda.
“These inputs are valuable investments by His Excellency in your future and the future of agriculture in Enugu State. We encourage every beneficiary to utilize them responsibly, increase production, and make Enugu State proud through improved agricultural output,” Dr. Ubru stated.
The beneficiaries, drawn from all 260 political wards in the state, expressed profound appreciation to the Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Governor Peter Mbah, for what they described as a timely intervention that would significantly reduce production costs and improve yields during the farming season.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Peter Mbah emphasized that the distribution of agricultural inputs was not politically motivated, but a deliberate and strategic intervention designed to address the state’s growing food needs and strengthen its agricultural economy.
The Governor explained that agriculture remains one of the major pillars of his administration’s development agenda and stressed that improving food production is essential to ensuring food availability, creating employment opportunities, reducing poverty, and stimulating sustainable economic growth.
According to Governor Mbah, the free distribution of improved seedlings, fertilizers, cassava stems, and other farm inputs represents an investment in the future of Enugu State rather than a political programme.
“This initiative is not driven by politics. It is driven by the urgent need to strengthen food security in Enugu State and improve the livelihoods of our farmers. We are making these investments because we believe agriculture has the capacity to transform our economy, create wealth, and ensure that every family has access to affordable and nutritious food.”
Governor Mbah further stated that the administration is determined to position Enugu State as one of Nigeria’s leading agricultural hubs through the adoption of modern farming practices, improved inputs, mechanization, value-chain development, and Agro-industrialisation.
He expressed confidence that with consistent government support and the commitment of farmers, Enugu State would soon become a major producer of agricultural commodities capable of supplying markets across Nigeria and exporting agricultural produce beyond the state’s borders.
“Our vision is to make Enugu State one of the leading agricultural states in the Federation. We want to produce enough to feed our people, supply other states, and ultimately export our agricultural produce beyond Enugu. Agriculture is not just about farming—it is about economic prosperity, job creation, industrial growth, and sustainable development.”
The Governor urged all beneficiaries to make effective use of the agricultural inputs, emphasizing that the success of the programme depends on the commitment and dedication of the farmers.
He called on the beneficiaries to cultivate every available hectare of farmland and embrace improved agricultural practices that would translate the government’s investment into increased harvests and greater food production.
Many of the farmers noted that the distribution of quality farm inputs would not only increase food production but also enhance their incomes and strengthen food security across the state. They pledged to maximize the opportunity provided by the state government by putting every input received to productive use.
The farmers unanimously applauded Governor Peter Mbah’s administration for prioritizing agriculture and rural development, describing the initiative as a clear demonstration of responsive and people-centered governance.
Also present at the ceremony was the State Project Coordinator of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project, Enugu State, Dr. Ifeyinwa Nnajieze, alongside other distinguished government officials, agricultural stakeholders, traditional rulers, development partners, and community representatives who witnessed the symbolic commencement of the distribution exercise.
The dignitaries commended the Enugu State Government for sustaining policies and programmes that empower farmers, improve agricultural productivity, and contribute to the state’s vision of becoming a leading agricultural and agro-industrial hub in Nigeria.
The statewide distribution exercise is expected to reach registered farmers in every political ward through their Local governments, ensuring equitable access to critical agricultural inputs and reinforcing the government’s commitment to inclusive development.
As the distribution commences across the 260 political wards, stakeholders remain optimistic that the programme will significantly boost agricultural production and contribute meaningfully to the state’s economic growth and sustainable development.
