Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s agriculture-led development strategy is gaining strong endorsement from stakeholders, with the Chairman of Awgu Local Government Area, Hon. Uchenna Joseph Okolo, declaring that the initiative is transforming food security, economic growth, and community safety across Enugu State.
Okolo made the remarks on April 9, 2026, during the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) Downscaling and Stakeholders’ Training held in Awgu, describing agriculture as a critical tool for both development and peacebuilding.
“Our Governor has demonstrated visionary leadership by leveraging agriculture to tackle multiple challenges, including insecurity. Through consistent support—ranging from provision of farming tools to continuous farmer training—he is empowering communities and restoring confidence in rural livelihoods,” Okolo stated.
The high-level training, organised by the Enugu State Government in collaboration with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), brought together policymakers, experts, and grassroots stakeholders to promote climate-smart farming and improve resilience against changing weather patterns.
Delivering the keynote address, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Patrick Ubru Nwabueze, stressed the importance of climate intelligence in modern farming.
Experts at the session noted that integrating seasonal forecasts into agricultural planning could significantly boost yields, reduce losses, and strengthen food systems across the state.
Beyond farming techniques, the programme also addressed the human impact of climate change. In a session on mental health, Uzoamaka Nwachukwu highlighted the growing challenge of eco-anxiety among farmers and offered practical coping strategies.
Professor Ifeanyi Christian Enete further underscored the urgency of adopting climate-resilient agricultural practices, warning that sustainable development depends on farmers’ ability to adapt to environmental changes.
Participants were also briefed on the 2026 National Seasonal Climate Prediction and Enugu-specific forecasts, equipping them with actionable insights for the farming season.
Stakeholders expressed optimism that the “Train the Trainer” model would cascade knowledge to grassroots farmers, reinforcing the state’s drive toward a resilient and productive agricultural sector.
The initiative, widely captured under the emerging theme #AgroSecurityEnugu, reflects the administration’s broader vision of positioning agriculture not just as a livelihood, but as a strategic pillar for security, economic expansion, and long-term sustainability.
