Hoarding of foodstuffs by the North and how to make Imo food sufficient
AN OPEN LETTER TO GOVERNOR HOPE UZODINMA
By: Kenkwo Kingsley Kesaandu
Dear Onwa Oyoko,
Your Excellency, it has become pertinent that you take very critical decisions on our Agricultural sector viz-a-viz the current state of things in the nation if you really care about the welfare of Imo people which is your primary responsibility.
Let me remind you that you are on oath to protect the people and take adequate care their welfare. Another opportunity is here for you to show capacity that you mean well for the people.
It is no longer news that famers cum producers from the Northern part of the country have threatened to hoard food from us, which I can boldly tell you that there is no moral justification for such act though the Presidency is mute. It is also worthy to note that Imo is a land blessed with rich soil for the cultivation of crops and I doubt if there is any food crop that can not grow on our soil.
In Ihitte/Uboma where I hail from, we used to be the food basket of Imo but I know as at today, none of us can boast of such title because of the way Government has treated the agricultural sector in the state overtime.
Your Excellency, if indeed you love Imo people and want the best for us, I humbly present the following ideas for your perusal and implementation, as I strongly believe that if sincerely carried out devoid of political gains, Imo would not only fail to notice the hoard by the North but will be major exporters of food items in this country.
1. Lands in LGAs like Ihitte/Uboma, Ngor Okpala, Ohaji/Egbema and others that are rich in agriculture, should be adequately put in use for productivity.
2. Allocate money for the purchase of machines for processing of crops like rice, beans, palm oil and cassava in large quantity that will be strategically located in the three Senatorial Zones of the State.
3. Rejuvenate or reconstruct some of moribund machines like the rice processing machine in Ihitte/Uboma.
Also reconstruct and rejuvenate industries like the Avutu Poultry in Obowo LGA.
4. Adequately fund the various departments of agriculture in our LGAs with the mandate of what to produce. For instance, poultry, garden egg, groundnut, fishery, snailry etc.
5. Genuinely engage our youths in real trainings on how to embark of some agricultural projects. Do not allow it to be a show of politics.
6. Finally, ensure that our farms are free from killer heardsmen so that our people can go to their farms freely without fear.
Your Excellency, the time is right for you to prove that Imo can actually stand and be very comfortable when it comes to production of food.
This will not only give us sufficient food but will be a source of employment to many unemployed youths who are ever ready to work.
Sir, you have a golden opportunity to write your name in gold in the sands of time as your decision at this critical time will either make or mar your administration.
GOD BLESS IMO STATE.
Kenkwo Kesaandu Kingsley (KKK)
President, Ihitte/Uboma Youth Forum.
3rd March, 2021.
