A major boost for agricultural production in the South-East unfolded on Monday as the Federal Government officially flagged off the distribution of fertilizer to farmers across the region under the Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme (FISP).
The event, held at the Rear Admiral Ndubisi Kanu Square in Owerri, Imo State, brought together government officials, agricultural stakeholders, and beneficiaries, with expectations high over the impact the intervention could have on food production and farmers’ livelihoods.
Representing Governor Hope Uzodimma, the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Chinyere Ihuoma Ekomaru, described the initiative as a significant step toward revitalizing agriculture and improving food security across the South-East.
According to her, the programme aligns with Governor Uzodimma’s 3R agenda of Rehabilitation, Reconstruction, and Recovery, aimed at restoring agricultural productivity, rebuilding food security systems, and enhancing economic prosperity across communities.
“Agriculture remains the backbone of our economy. When food is available and affordable, peace and stability naturally follow,” she stated.
Lady Ekomaru commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government for the intervention and expressed appreciation to Governor Uzodimma for securing the hosting rights for the South-East flag-off ceremony.
She urged beneficiaries to make proper use of the fertilizer rather than diverting or selling it, stressing that the success of the programme depends on its effective utilization by genuine farmers. She also called on distribution committees and partner organizations to ensure transparency and fairness in reaching grassroots farmers.
On behalf of Governor Uzodimma, the Deputy Governor formally flagged off the fertilizer distribution exercise for Imo, Anambra, Enugu, and Ebonyi states, while offering prayers for a successful farming season and abundant harvests across the region.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), Mohammed Ibrahim, represented by the Fund’s General Manager of Technical Services, Mr. Earnest Ihedigbo, explained that the programme was designed to address critical farm input shortages, improve agricultural productivity, and strengthen the resilience of smallholder farmers.
He disclosed that no fewer than 20,160 beneficiaries across the four South-East states will receive fertilizer grants under the initiative. He added that the programme is a locally driven intervention aimed at supporting farmers, promoting local fertilizer production, creating employment opportunities, and enhancing national food security.
Also speaking, the Senior Special Adviser to the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Ibrahim Tanimu, who represented Minister Senator Abubakar Kyari, described the initiative as a strategic step toward achieving food sufficiency and reducing the burden of production costs on farmers.
He noted that the programme reflects the Federal Government’s determination to boost crop yields through direct support to farmers and assured stakeholders that the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Imo State Government, the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), and NADF would guarantee transparency and accountability throughout the distribution process.
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