By Anayo Okoli
ENUGU — The South East Development Commission (SEDC) says it has concluded inspections of about 4,000 hectares of land in Enugu State ahead of the commencement of its agro-mechanisation programme aimed at boosting food production and enhancing food security.
The inspection followed a series of stakeholder engagement meetings held across the state’s three senatorial zones by the Commission’s Executive Director for Natural Resources, Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Cliff Ogbede, with support from the Enugu State Government.
The exercise, according to the commission, was designed to secure community support and ensure a smooth take-off of the programme.
The sites inspected include about 2,000 hectares in Nkpologwu, Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area, and another 2,000 hectares in Elugwu Akwu-Achi, Oji River Local Government Area.
Speaking on the exercise, Ogbede said the proposed project received positive responses from the host communities.
“In preparation for the flag-off of the South East Development Commission’s agro-mechanisation projects, my team and I, with the support of the Enugu State Government, concluded a series of community stakeholder engagements across Enugu’s three senatorial zones.
“These engagements are foundational to the SEDC Vision 2050 and the South East Agricultural Development Programme, which aim to promote food security, commercial agriculture and youth empowerment,” he said.
Ogbede explained that the stakeholder engagements were necessary to clarify issues relating to land access, secure community support and address security concerns before the commencement of the pilot projects.
He said the team inspected the proposed pilot sites in Nkpologwu, Uzo-Uwani LGA, Elugwu Akwu-Achi in Oji River LGA and Nomeh Unataeze in Nkanu East LGA, accompanied by the respective council chairmen.
According to him, officials of Uzo-Uwani Local Government described the initiative as an opportunity to expand the area’s agricultural potential in collaboration with the state government.
He added that residents of Elugwu Akwu-Achi also welcomed the project and expressed support for its implementation after a community meeting and inspection of the proposed site.
Ogbede said the host communities viewed the initiative as a partnership between the SEDC and the Enugu State Government to expand commercial farming activities and stimulate rural development.
He added that the level of participation by traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders reflected broad support for the proposed agro-mechanisation programme.
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