Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has urged residents to embrace household farming and food production as part of efforts to address hunger and ease the impact of economic challenges.
Uzodimma made the call on Monday 28th September 2026 at the Zero Hunger Agricultural Empowerment Programme held at Rockview Hotel, Owerri, where 1,000 households were presented as initial beneficiaries.
The governor, according to a statement by Unadike William C, Deputy Director, Information, Government House Owerri, said previous government interventions, including food distribution and financial assistance, were necessary to cushion hardship but stressed that sustainable food production remained the lasting solution.
“It is like giving somebody fish. Now we want to teach you how to fish,” Uzodimma said, urging beneficiaries to commence planting immediately.
He recalled that household gardens were once common in Imo communities, with families growing vegetables, tomatoes and other crops around their homes.
Uzodimma also encouraged civil servants and young professionals to cultivate gardens, saying, “There is no way Nigeria will move if we don’t grow what we eat and eat what we grow.”
The governor congratulated the beneficiaries and pledged continued support for initiatives aimed at improving food security and prosperity in the state.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Chinenyenwa Owuamalam Esq. commended the initiative, saying it would strengthen food security and household resilience.
She said the programme targets 1,000 families with agricultural inputs, training and home-gardening support, adding that it would contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 2 on Zero Hunger and SDG 17 on partnerships.
Owuamalam also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising food security, agricultural development, poverty reduction and economic empowerment under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Imo State APC Chairman, Chief Austin Onyedebelu, commended the empowerment of 1,000 farmers, describing it as an effort to boost food production, reduce poverty and improve livelihoods through modern farming techniques and high-yield seeds.
He urged beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity, stressing the importance of agriculture to economic diversification and food security.
Onyedebelu also appealed to the beneficiaries to support President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid and other APC candidates in the forthcoming general elections.
The Convener of Young Professionals for Tinubu (YP4T), Richmond Dayo, called for the adoption of improved hybrid seeds to increase agricultural productivity.
Dayo said the initiative was distributing hybrid seeds, including tomatoes, peppers, onions and okra, to farmers. He noted that poor-quality seeds contributed to low crop yields and stressed the need for improved farming practices.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Bridget Onwuasoanya and Obinna Egwu thanked the governor and organisers, saying the programme would support local farmers, create jobs for youths, promote agriculture and enhance food security.
The event was attended by Deputy Governor Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe, members of the House of Assembly, APC national and state officials, Secretary to the State Government Chief Cosmas Iwu, members of the State Expanded Executive Council, executive chairmen of the 27 local government areas and other stakeholders.
Highpoint of the event was the symbolic presentation of seedlings to some beneficiaries.
