By Iro Oliver Stanley

Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has pledged continued support for agriculture as his administration seeks to strengthen food security, boost economic growth and encourage more residents to return to farming.

Governor Otti made the commitment on Sunday, August 30, 2026, during the 2026 IriJi (New Yam) Festival of Eze Nto Mbah and the Ataigbo Ukwu Umuzomgbo Ihechiowa Autonomous Community in Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, the governor said his administration would continue to give significant attention to the agricultural sector.

He expressed delight at identifying with the traditional ruler, his cabinet, subjects and the wider community during the annual cultural celebration.

Otti urges citizens to return to farming

Governor Otti called on citizens to embrace agriculture, stressing the need to reward hard work and productivity in the farming sector.

He commended the Chairman of the Abia State and South East Traditional Rulers Council, Eze Dr Linus Nto Mbah, for leading by example through his efforts to promote agriculture and encourage communities to revive their farming traditions.

Otti also praised the monarch for using the annual IriJi Festival to promote agriculture and preserve the cultural values associated with farming.

The governor noted that the Igbo people have a long-standing connection with agriculture and commended Eze Mbah for helping to uphold that tradition.

Eze Mbah calls for greater investment in agriculture

In his remarks, Eze Dr Linus Nto Mbah, the traditional ruler of Ataigbo Ukwu Kingdom in Ihechiowa, Arochukwu LGA, and Chairman of the Abia and South East Council of Traditional Rulers, thanked Governor Otti for attending the festival and identifying with the community.

The monarch reaffirmed his commitment to revitalising agriculture and increasing food production, describing farming as central to the economic and cultural identity of his people.

He said the New Yam Festival represents more than a cultural celebration.

“The New Yam Festival is not merely a cultural ceremony; it is a symbol of our identity, unity, gratitude, and respect for the values handed down to us by our ancestors.”

According to Eze Mbah, yam occupies an important place in the tradition and economy of the Igbo people, representing dignity, prosperity, hard work and the rewards of diligent farming.

He said the annual festival also provides an opportunity for the community to give thanks for a successful harvest.

Monarch urges government to support young farmers

As part of efforts to secure the future of agriculture, Eze Mbah called on governments at all levels to provide incentives that would encourage young people to return to farming.

He urged residents to promote peace, love, hard work and cooperation while encouraging youths to preserve their cultural heritage and participate actively in agriculture, education and other productive activities.

The monarch described agriculture as the bedrock of Nigeria’s economy and stressed the importance of creating opportunities that would make farming attractive to the younger generation.

Eze Mbah thanks Otti for rural road project

Eze Mbah also expressed appreciation to Governor Otti for his administration’s efforts to improve the lives of rural residents.

He particularly thanked the governor for providing access roads connecting the community to the town, saying improved connectivity would make it easier for farmers to transport and sell their agricultural produce.

“We particularly express our profound gratitude for the provision of the access roads that connects our community to the town; where our agricultural produce could be sold,” Eze Mbah stated.

He said better rural infrastructure would support agricultural activities and improve economic opportunities for residents.

Community celebrates bumper 2026 harvest

In a vote of thanks, the Prime Minister of the community, Chief Okorie Ndu, highlighted the community’s strong agricultural traditions and expressed happiness over what he described as a bumper harvest in 2026.

He assured Governor Otti and his cabinet of the continued support of the people of Ihechiowa while commending Eze Mbah for his efforts to preserve the community’s cultural heritage.

The colourful New Yam Festival attracted the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, chairmen of traditional rulers’ councils across the South East, community leaders and residents.

The event, chaired by former Mayor of Arochukwu LGA, Chief Joe Ezearu, featured cultural displays and performances by various dancing groups as residents celebrated the agricultural heritage and traditions of the Ataigbo Ukwu Kingdom.

Image: Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti