Rep. Sam Onuigbo Storms Umuahia, Distributes Galvanized Battery Cages, Point of Lay Birds, Others to Abia Farmers

By Charity Uwakwe

Not fewer than sixty farmers from Ikwuano/ Umuahia Federal Constituency of Abia State smiled back home yesterday, as the Federal government, through Rep. Sam Ifeanyichukwu Onuigbo Member at the Red Chamber disbursed mouthwatering facilities to facilitate Poultry farming in the area.

Facilities received by each beneficiary at the end of the training and empowerment section included
modern cages, point-of-lay (POL) birds, 3-bags of feed.

Reportedly, the event  was held at Kolping Society, WBHE, Umuahia, the state’s capital, was in line with the diversification of country’s economy through Agriculture.

In his address, the House Member, represented by Engr. Loveday Jack Okwuonu, recalled that his administration had in November 2020 trained 1,500 youths and women.

According to him, the people from the Constituency were, during the massive Entrepreneurship Development Programme, trained on how to start and manage small businesses.

He said: “At the end of the training, the trainees were provided with start-up stipends. This was in line with our vision that considering the huge unemployment.”

He pointed out that the vision was in their bid to mitigate the rate unemployment ravaging the the country.

Adding, “and creating an alternative means of livelihood for our people is the solution.

“Today, we are training and empowering sixty persons with modern cages, point-of lay (POL) birds, bags of feed, and money, to enable them take advantage of the huge opportunity that the Agricultural Industry offers.

The people-oriented Leader expressed confidence that the beneficiaries would effectively utilize the knowledge not only to become gainfully engaged but also employers of labour.

While reassuring the people of his unflinching zeal to pay adequate attention to their needs, he reminded that his administration had unhesitantly addressed their challenges proactively.

He pointed out some areas such as “the building of a nine-unit Skills Acquisition Center at Apumiri, Ubakala. Execution of massive erosion control works at Amachara and Okwe-Obuohia road, the total reconstruction of the Umuahia-Ikwuano-Ikot Ekpene Road.“Building of hospitals and classroom blocks, water projects, and many more, he said, adding that all was geared towards making his Constituency ‘second to none’.

He therefore, urged urged the beneficiaries to maximize the opportunity, insisting on the dignity of labour.

“Before you is the chance to set your life on an important course. You must be aware that you must work hard and be diligent to be able to succeed.

“We are not just empowering you to disappear, but, I will look forward to positive feedbacks on your journey”.

Speaking further, Engr. Okwuonu reminded the beneficiaries of the indispensability of agriculture in the present dispensation, and charged them on consistency for positive turnouts.

Okwuonu, who doubled as the Chairman of the occasion informed them of possible challengesin the course of their journey, and emphasised the need for determination.

“I want you to know today that you’re starting on the best ground and Agriculture is the only way.It’s not starting that is the main issue, but pushing forward.

“It is not always easy but with determination, the sky shall be your starting point. So, you must be determined to push forward despite all challenges.

Meanwhile, the meeting had in attendance the Hon. Minister for Agriculture, Alh. Mud’d Sabo Nanono, represented by the Regional Director, Mr. Felix Kehis.

Others were Hon. Emenike Onuoha, a stakeholder of the PDP, NUJ Chairman, Cmrd. John Emejor, Engr. Victor Ejikeme Ihediwa, State Director, Fed. Mins. of Agriculture.