. Distributes Improved Farm Seedlings, Pledges to Eradicate Poverty
By Ikechukwu Ozurumba
The Executive Chairman of Isiala Mbano Local Government Area, Hon. Chika Okoroike, in a renewed effort to boost agricultural productivity and alleviate poverty in the area , has distributed improved farm variety seedlings to farmers across the LGA.
The distribution event, which took place at the council headquarters, Umuelemai, on Thursday 15th May, 2025, with hundreds of local farmers, Aladinmas, President Generals from the twelve wards in Isiala Mbano and stakeholders who praised the initiative as timely and impactful.
Evan. Okoroike, stated that the gesture was part of his administration’s agricultural empowerment programme aimed at achieving food security, supporting rural farmers, and ultimately eradicating poverty in the area.
“This is not just about giving out seedlings,” he said. “It is about restoring hope to our farmers, ensuring sustainable food production, and lifting our people out of poverty, adding that the government is committed to supporting every household to be self-reliant.”
According to him, the seedlings distributed included high-yielding varieties of maize, cassava stems, and vegetable seeds, specially selected for their resistance to pests and adaptability to the local soil and climate conditions.
The council boss further revealed that training and extension services would follow the distribution to ensure farmers apply best practices for maximum yield. He also promised continuous support of farm seedlings for those that did not get in the coming month.
Moreso as part of his broader development agenda, Hon. Okoroike, emphasized that agricultural revival would remain central to his administration’s strategy to combat poverty and unemployment in Isiala Mbano.
For the technical trainer, Dr Vitus Enwerem, who is the State Chairman All Farmers Association of Nigeria and also a Senior lecturer at the University of Agriculture and Environmental sciences Umuagwo, Imo State, extol the LGA boss, for being thoughtful about Agricultural development In Isiala Mbano.
He noted that it is the first of its kind, having been a Councillor and Supervisory Councillor in the LGA, pointing out that he have not seen such a programme in council before, while thanking him for the initiative, stating that the rural areas have no alternative than farming.
Dr Enwerem, noted that earlier the Chairman called him and told him his plan to distribute inpute to local farmers to encourage them to farm and earn money to feed their families, such plan brought about the procurement of over 5,000 by 5 cassava sterm, adding that it would round the communities in Isiala Mbano and by next year people would become self-sufficient, they would have enough yo eat and sell to make money.
Contributing the wife of the Chairman, Evan. Uchenna Okoroike, noted for one to Eradicate poverty it should start from the grassroot, adding this initiative is apt and would help the women to fight poverty.
Farmers who benefited from the scheme expressed gratitude, describing it as a game-changer in their farming journey. Noting that with these improved seedlings, the women would expect a bountiful harvest that will significantly change our lives.
