Wife of Enugu state Governor, Mrs Nkechinyere Mbah has flagged- off distribution of fertilizer to Enugu farmers to enhance food production in the state.
Speaking at the flag-off held on Wednesday, 8Th October,2025 at the Post Primary Schools Management Board( PPSMB) hall, Enugu, Mrs Mbah described the event as a
significant milestone in Governor Mbah administration ‘s pathway towards a food-secure Enugu.
” It is with great pride that I introduce our Agricultural Empowerment Initiative, explicitly designed to support our hardworking farmers by providing them with essential fertilisers needed to enhance their productivity.,” she said..
Pix: The flag-off
The first lady said the initiative is a collaborative effort with the Enugu State Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation. She added that 600 bags of fertilizer would be distributed to registered farmers across the 17 local government areas of the state with the supervision of the local government Chairpersons and Presidents- General of the communities.
She commended the Commissioner for Agriculture , Hon.Patrick Uburu, for his dedication to duty and persistent efforts in driving agricultural development across the state.
“His visionary leadership has been instrumental in shaping policies and programs that empower our farmers and boost food production,” she said.
According to her, “Fertiliser is key in boosting crop yields, improving soil fertility, and ensuring our farmers can grow healthier and more abundant harvests.
” By empowering you with these fertilisers, we are strengthening the entire agricultural sector in our state. Increased crop output means more food on our tables, higher incomes for our families, and a more robust economy for Enugu,” Mrs Mbah said.
Speaking on the initiative , the Governor’s wife said, the initiative clearly commits to ensuring food security within Enugu state.
“When our farmers thrive, Enugu thrives. With enhanced production, we reduce the need for food imports, stabilise prices, and guarantee that no family goes hungry,” she said.
The governor ‘s wife acknowledged the various stakeholders, development partners, and agricultural experts for their collaboration, saying , “their support and expertise strengthen the foundation on which we build our agrarian programs, ensuring that our farmers receive inputs, training, and technical assistance to maximise their productivity.,”
Mrs Mbah admonished the beneficiaries not to sell the fertilizer.
” I must admonish each beneficiary: the aid provided is a gift to be used wisely. It is not for storage or any purpose other than what it was intended for, which is for application to your farmland. I urge you to apply these fertilisers judiciously, with care and knowledge, to achieve the best possible results. Responsible use will maximise your yields and ensure this empowerment transforms your livelihood, ” she said.
In his speech the Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialization, Dr Patrick Ubru, who was represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture, Mike Ogbuewu, said the distribution of the fertilizer aligned with the vision of the state Governor, Dr. Mbah in ensuring food sufficiency in the state.
” The Governor has said that Enugu state can feed the entire South East region. He wants people to see agricultural as a business that will grow the economy of Enugu state..
He noted that food insecurity is a biggest discussion that is going on
” If Northern Nigeria is suffering insecurity, it means the food production is shrinking. We have to increase the food production. Agriculture is supposed to contribute up to 40,% of the Gross Domestic Product . What we are doing is contributing to increasing the GDP and improving the economy of Enugu state,,”
He urged the beneficiaries to apply the fertilizer in their farms and not to sell it
Earlier, the special adviser to the wife of the Governor, Mrs Chidinma Egeonu in a welcome address said the distribution of the fertilizer was to encourage farmers to cultivate and go into different areas of agriculture, including livestock.
Beneficiaries who spoke to Newsline Global thanked Governor Mbah and the first lady for their kindness gesture. They promised to apply the fertilizer on their farms
Some of the beneficiaries are Mrs Lilian Nnamani, Chukwudi Nwobodo and Ogochukwu Ejeh among others
Highlight of the event was the distribution of bags of fertilizer to the farmers
Author: Maureen Ikpeama