By IJENDU IHEAKA

The Vice-Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Prof. Maduebibisi Iwe, on Tuesday, said the institution had begun relocating to its permanent site.

He explained the move was to enable mechanised farming and enhance research at the university?s permanent site located in Olori, Ikwuano Local Government Area.

Iwe disclosed this during the 1st Abia Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ).Agric Show 2025, with the theme ?Fighting Food Insecurity Through Practical Agriculture?, held at the Police Officers Mess, Umuahia.

He noted that Umudike land forms only a small portion of the land allocated to the university, hence the need for relocation to Olori.

The Vice-Chancellor said his determination had made the relocation possible, which will support the university?s vision for agricultural innovation and expansion.

He stated the university had fulfilled its mandate over 32 years, producing over 60,000 graduates across disciplines vital to food sufficiency and fibre production.

Prof. Kayode Simonyan, who represented Iwe, commended Abia NUJ for organising the show and expressed optimism about the continuity of the initiative.

Eze Linus Ntoh Mba, Chairman of Abia Traditional Rulers Council, praised the NUJ?s effort to boost farming and strengthen food production across the state.

?What you are doing today is commendable; it will help our people achieve food sufficiency,? he stated.

Mba thanked the NUJ for inviting him and made a donation of ?200,000 to support the chapel and its agricultural efforts.

Eze Boniface Ariekpere, CEO of Omamma Foundation, also appreciated the NUJ for launching the agricultural show to promote farming.

He said the initiative would attract more youth to agriculture and help reduce crime rates through gainful engagement in food production.

?In the past, we didn?t buy pepper; every family grew food. We need to return to such practices for the benefits they offer.

?Whatever it takes to support this union to do more, I will gladly contribute,? Ariekpere assured participants.

Abia NUJ Chairman, Mr. Chidi Asonye, said the chapel organised the show to take part in agricultural revival, not merely report its decline.

?This agric show is our response to a national emergency ? hunger in a land rich with arable soil and resilient people,? Asonye remarked.

He said NUJ was contributing by promoting practical agriculture?sowing seeds, building partnerships and reaping sustainable solutions ? not merely through speeches.

Asonye urged that the agric show become an annual event, fostering collaboration, innovation and mechanisation among key stakeholders in the sector.

Chief Uzoma Nwaogwugwu, National President of Nigerian Farmer Cooperative Society (NANFACOS), said the NUJ?s efforts could transform farming and improve lives in Abia State.

He lamented that agriculture struggles in Nigeria due to the Bank of Agriculture?s poor support and inadequate responsiveness to the sector.

He identified funding as the main barrier to large-scale farming, urging correction of high-interest loan issues to reduce the burden on farmers.

Lectures at the event were delivered by Dr. Chris Nwagboso of Kritznely Farms, Mr. Emeka Nwachinemere of Kitovu Tech Ltd., and Mrs. Ngozi Iheji.

The event also featured exhibitions of agricultural products and various donations from stakeholders and well-wishers. (NAN)

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