A chairmanship aspirant on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ozor Joel Eke has promised to make agriculture and food production a core of his administration if elected as the next chairman of Ezeagu local government area of Enugu State.
Eke, who declared his interest to contest for the party’s nomination in few days time, said, Ezeagu being an agrarian area with fertile land, would be capable of feeding the entire state in terms of food production, if a right man is at the helm of affairs if the LGA.
According to him, with Governor Peter Mbah’s comprehensive agricultural policy, it would be easier for the area to become the food basket of Enugu State under him as the executive chairman within six months.
“Our farmers will be vigorously trained and introduced and introduced to grow exportable cash spinning products such as Ginger, garlic and improved cassava roots among others.
“Our administration will also turn attention to all season or what is referred to as dry season farming, cultivating at least 1000 hectares of land in the first phase.
“Agro-processing / cottage industries will be promoted so as to ensure total gain within the entire agricultural value chain.
“Within the first one year in office, our administration will construct two rice mills, one at Ibute-Olo and another at Agba-Umana. Palm oil processing at Ihuonyia cassava processing centre at Mgbagbuowa through Public Private Partnership(PPP) arrangements”, he said.
Favoured by the existing rotation arrangement in Ezeagu, Eke expressed confidence that he will clinch the chairmanship position in the February 24 2024, LGA elections.
Eke told newsmen that he has consulted extensively with major stakeholders before throwing his hat in the ring.
He expressed burning desire to work for his people and make their life more meaningful by providing basic social amenities.
Eke said he would key into Gov. Peter Mbah’s agenda of disruptive, innovative governance.
According to him, if given the opportunity to become chairman, he would emulate Mbah’s pragmatic approach to governance instead of clinging to the old order of business as usual where things hardly happen.
