By Karen James
In the wake of widespread hunger, deprivation, and rising hardships facing Nigerians, citizens have taken to the streets in protest to voice their frustrations with the government. Reflecting the concerns of the people, Hon. Golden Chukwuebuka Iloh, the representative for Ihiala Two State Constituency, has presented a motion to establish agricultural and industrial hubs across the 21 local government areas of Anambra State.
The motion calls on Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo to direct the Commissioners of Land, Agriculture, and Industry to acquire lands and designate them as government properties. The aim is to facilitate agricultural ventures that go beyond mere subsistence farming and transform it into a profitable business.
Elaborating on the motion, Iloh explained that the policy, if implemented, would align with the present administration’s Think Home Philosophy. By providing adequate lands, more people would be incentivized to invest in various aspects of agriculture, while rural farmers would gain access to fertile lands without the risk of land disputes.
Iloh stressed that if the state government takes the decisive step of providing lands for agricultural purposes along with essential amenities, such initiatives would effectively combat hunger and food insecurity in the region. Emphasizing the potential of Anambra State to become the food basket of the Southeast region, the lawmaker commended Governor Soludo’s efforts in kickstarting an agricultural revolution by distributing hybrid farm seedlings. The acquisition of lands for farming would bolster large-scale food production in the state, promoting exports to neighboring states and beyond.
The lawmaker also highlighted the state government’s ongoing efforts to tackle and subdue unknown gunmen, taking back control of the forests and bushes that may be designated for the establishment of agricultural and industrial layouts. However, he argued that the creation of industrial hubs should not be limited to specific areas but extended to all 21 local government areas to attract potential investors in close proximity.
As the Chairman of the House of Assembly Committee on Power and Water Resources, Iloh emphasized that acquiring lands solely for agricultural purposes is of paramount importance in the fight against hunger, asserting that the impact of hunger is even more severe than that of unknown gunmen.
The proposed establishment of agricultural and industrial hubs in Anambra State serves as a response to the pressing issues faced by Nigerians and aims to provide sustainable solutions to food insecurity, economic growth, and job creation. As the state government considers this motion, it remains to be seen how it will address the concerns of its citizens and prioritize agricultural development in the region.
