Revive farm settlements, ex-ASUU president urges states, FG
A University don and former president Academic Staff Union of Universities ( ASUU) Professor Uzodinma Nwala, has urged the Federal Government to revive Farm Settlements across the 36 states of the federation.
He explained that if effected, that would boost hamper harvest and agricultural productivity.
Professor Nwala made the appeal yesterday in Owutu Edda, Afikpo South Local Government Council of Ebonyi State during the burial of the father of former Deputy National President of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and one-time Ebonyi state Commissioner for Information/Orientation, Mr Abia Onyike.
He said that the restoration of Farm Settlements would boost food production and youth employment in the south-East geo-political zone of the country in particular and the country in generalAccording to him,”the revival of Farm Settlements in the country as reminiscent during the era of the former Premier of Eastern Region Dr Michael Okpara would boost bumper harvest and increase high productivity in Agriculture,” he reiterated.
“The flourishing of the Agro-Based Industries in Eastern Nigeria during the 1st Republic was sustained by Agricultural Produce from the Farm Settlements in most States of Abia, Enugu and Cross River respectively.
The Academic Don who is presently the President of Alaigbo Development Foundation(ADF), Non-Goverrnmental Organization,extolled the virtues of the late Elder Onyike Abia,insisting that he paid his dues in the development of “Erei Farm Settlement “located in the present day Biase Local Government Council of Cross River State.
In his sermon at the funeral Service, Reverend Chime Uduma of Reformed Presbyterian Church Ejikewu Parish, noted that Late Elder Onyike Abia lived an exemplary characterized by hardwork and dedication to God.
Dignitaries that attended the burial ceremony included former Deputy Governor of Old Imo State Dr Francis Orji, former President General of Ohanaeze-apex Igbo Socio Cultural Organization,Chief Enwo Igariwey, Chairman of Afikpo South Local Government Council, Mr Eni Uduma , Traditional Rulers and Youth Organizations among others .
Charles Onyekwere, Abakaliki
