Anambra State is set to experience a agricultural revolution, courtesy of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s ‘Farm-To-Feed Campaign’. This trailblazing initiative seeks to bridge the gap between farmers and consumers, fostering a more inclusive and sustainable food value chain that benefits all stakeholders.
The ‘Farm-To-Feed Campaign’ officially took off at a farm in Amansea, Awka North Local Government Area, where Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo rallied Ndị Anambra to join the farming revolution.
While performing the launch ceremony, Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo emphasized that the ‘Farm-To-Feed Campaign’ represents a significant stride towards propelling Anambra State and Nigeria forward.
‘We are here as part of our own response to the issues surrounding hunger.
‘While others in some places are protesting, Anambra State is not protesting.
‘I want to thank our youths and everyone who are going about their businesses.
‘We are here to take positive steps to move the state and country forward.
‘Our people are not participating in the protest, not because they don’t feel the pain, but because they want to be part of the solution.
‘The youths want to embrace their destinies and I want to commend you for that’, he added.
‘This is citizens’ action against hunger in partnership with government. We want to turn our challenges into opportunities.’
The governor revealed that his government has successfully distributed over one million palm and coconut seedlings, with plans to reach a total of ten million seedlings by the end of his administration.
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‘The farm-to-feed campaign is a simple partnership deal to end hunger within the next 12 months.
‘The citizens have a lot to do, including public servants. The only job allowed by the constitution for public servants is farming.’
Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo drew inspiration from the late Sunny Okosun’s song, ‘Which way Nigeria’, which highlighted the nation’s struggles, and urged Nigerians to transition from singing songs of lamentation to taking bold steps towards progress.
‘In that song, Sunny Okosun sang that every little thing that goes wrong, people blame the government.
‘Let’s turn farming and agriculture as the new national pride.
‘I agree there is hunger in the land…do something about it.
‘If everyone starts producing, the pressure on food prices will reduce. Turn every vacant piece of land to farm, rent a space if you can, but plant something.
‘Here in Anambra, we will continue to do more.’
He voiced his eagerness to partner with stakeholders and devise initiatives, announcing that his administration would soon honor outstanding farmers as agricultural champions.
‘Local government chairmen, churches and other stakeholders should take the campaign down to their people.
‘Ndị Igbo aren’t protesting because they believe in hard work.
‘We’ve seen far worse conditions before, but we are resilient people, and by a dint of hard work, we shall prevail.
‘Let us get to work, every citizen, one at a time, protest, but be the change you desire,’ the governor added.
Dr. Forster Ihejiofor, Commissioner for Agriculture, beamed with delight at the event, praising the governor’s proactive approach to tackling contemporary challenges, which aligns with the administration’s solution-driven agenda.
‘His mind is at work. This is a progressive idea for ndị Anambra and the nation that will bring comfort to the hardship,’ he added.
Top government functionaries, such as Professor Solo Chukwulobelu, Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Theodora Igwegbe, Head of Service, and Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, Commissioner for Education, regaled the audience with tales of their successful forays into farming.
Accompanying Governor Soludo to the occasion were his wife, Mrs. Nonye Soludo, Deputy Governor Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, and Chief of Staff Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, who lent their support to the event.
The governor, his wife, and other notable attendees took part in a symbolic planting event, adding a poignant touch to the occasion and underscoring the importance of conservation.
