Dr. Eme Okoro, the former Secretary to the Abia State Government, has revealed how former Governor Orji Uzor Kalu made significant strides in promoting agriculture during his time in office.
In an interview with Vanguard, Dr. Okoro expressed his dismay at the ongoing neglect of the agricultural sector by Nigerian leaders.
When asked about his feelings regarding the attitude of these leaders towards agriculture, Dr. Okoro did not hold back his disappointment, asserting that both federal and state governments have failed to prioritise agricultural development.
He reminisced about Kalu’s tenure, highlighting how his administration showcased the potential of cassava by using cassava flour to bake bread as a substitute for wheat. Dr. Okoro pointed out that cassava can be transformed into chips, ethanol, and other valuable products, yet the sector remains underdeveloped due to ineffective leadership.
“Agriculture employs over 68% of Nigeria’s population, yet we are lagging far behind in developing this sector,” he lamented.
Dr. Okoro disclosed that he had offered guidance to numerous governors regarding policy planning shortcomings, but it was Orji Uzor Kalu who truly listened.
“Kalu took my advice to heart and mandated that every Local Government Area (LGA) in Abia State cultivate 10 hectares of cassava. One hectare of cassava can yield enough stems for 10 hectares the following year. Just imagine how many hectares of cassava each LGA could have cultivated by now,” he explained.
According to him, this initiative could have fostered a vast network of cassava processors, spurring industrial growth. He also noted his role in introducing Tenera oil palm to Abia State, a variety renowned for its high yield and economic potential.
