Ifeoma Akachukwu
Governor Peter Obi has flagged off the distribution of cheques totaling over eight million naira to FADAMA Community Associations; Governor Obi kick started the programme at the ADP Complex Awka at the weekend.
Governor Obi also commissioned eight motorcycles for project community facilities, three pick up vans and one eighteen seater coaster bus for monitoring of FADAMA activities, twenty five desktop computers and accessories for capacity building of FADAMA officers.
Performing the function, Governor Obi restated the commitment of his administration to reposition the Agriculture sector and promote small and medium scale enterprise to create employment, empower the people and strengthen the economy.
He enjoined the beneficiaries to ensure that the money is used for the purpose it was released and warned that Government would use all necessary measures to sanction those who misappropriate the fund.
The Governor regretted that the State could not participate in FADAMA ONE and TWO because of the inability of previous administrations to pay the counter-part funds but expressed satisfaction that the state is now leading in the FADAMA Three project.
He assured that his government will do everything possible to achieve food security and eliminate abject poverty across the State.
The National Project Coordinator of the programme, Mr. Buka Tijiani represented by the Head of Unit, National Food Reserve Agency South East Region, Enugu, Mr. Charles Ugwuona said the State is first in the FADAMA Programme in Nigeria and has remained vibrant and forward looking because of empowerment of Governor Obi and support of the people. Mr. Tijiani said the National office of FADAMA and the World Bank are impressed with the commitment demonstrated by Governor Obi administration to project the programme as a viable vehicle to fight poverty and empower rural farmers.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Godson Ezenagu said with this disbursement the State sub projects have increased to four hundred and three out of which sixty five have been completed which have impacted positively on the lives of over three thousand, two hundred and fifty families of farmers.
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