By Chukwuka Ugokwe
Participants at a one day sensitization programme have described mass youth involvement in climate smart agriculture and bamboo economy as critical to the state’s development.
The event held at the Conference Hall, Nnewi North Local Government Area, Anambra State brought together stakeholders in the agriculture sector, academia, youth bodies and students.
Staged by Nigeria Youth Parliament in collaboration with Sahelian Institute For Bamboo Research And Entrepreneurial Development (SIBRED) Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, themed “Sowing Seeds, Growing Future”.
In a Keynote Address, Immediate Past Commissioner For Agriculture, Dr Forster Ihejiofor, identified innovation, wealth creation, and survival in a changing climate as drivers of modern day agricultural practices.
While highlighting the pillars of climate smart agriculture to include productivity enhancement, climate adaptation and mitigation, he explained that bamboo, which he described as “Anambra Green Gold” could be utilized to solve multiple challenges.
“Bamboo presents a strategic solution to multiple challenges, erosion control, restores degraded lands, construction and scaffolding, furniture and interior decor, paper, pulp, and packaging, renewable energy, export markets in Europe and Asia.”
Advancing the way forward, he called for phased implementation roadmap(2026-2030) involving statewide bamboo, climate smart agriculture awareness campaign, pilot youth demonstration farms, bamboo plantation clusters per senatorial zone amongst others
“If properly implemented, this strategy will deliver significant reduction in erosion impact, create over 20,000 youth jobs, enhance food security and rural incomes, increase internally generated revenue.”
Prof. Bond Anyaehie, Chairman of the Occasion and Vice Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, represented by Prof. Kingsley Ubaoji, noted that the programme aligned with the call to awaken the interest of young people in agriculture.
He posited that for the nation to move forward in sector, government and stakeholders must commit investment and join hands to feed the nation to reduce over dependence on imported food items.
Contributing, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs Ifenyinwa Uzoka, called for more commitment by stakeholders to strengthen organic farming to enhance healthy living.
According to her, adulteration in food processing value chain, including use of detergents in cassava, dye in palm oil, should be checked to keep health challenges at bay.
Uzoka, urged stakeholders drawn from the various local government areas to always prioritize agriculture in their Community Charter of Demand to stir prompt government attention.
She drew their attention to a proposed initiative under Public Private Community Partnership model with Honda Agro and Power Products, urging them to take advantage of the initiative to assist farmers in their localities.
Earlier, the Member Representing Anambra South in the Nigerian Youth Parliament, Hon. Chibuike Obiwuzie, said they considered it proper to organise the event for Anambra South Zone youths to empower themselves to achieve more.
Other speakers including Dr John Ogbodo, Director SIBRED,who made a virtual presentation and Mrs Toochukwu Chukwuma underscored the importance of youth participation in bamboo entrepreneurship.
The event featured a field demonstration of Honda Motorised Back Sprayer and Tiller, Book unveiling and Cutting of Cake by the immediate Past Commissioner For Agriculture, Dr Forster Ihejiofor, to mark his birthday celebration.
Chukwuka is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
