FG serious about diversifying economy, minister says at book launch

Commercial Seed Yam Production (with cost-return analysis), a book written by Bato Onyemaobi, the Programme Manager, Abia State Agricultural Development Programme (ADP), has been launched and unveiled to the public.

Speaking during the occasion, the Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh outlined that the book is another tool that will diversify the economy of the nation.

He also said that the book will be recommended to all farmers to boost yam production and encouraged all farmers and institutions to see the book as a guide.

The agric minister represented by Dr  Oby Osiohu regretted that despite Nigeria being the highest producer of yam in the world, yet they have not gotten her fair share in its exportation.

In his speech, the State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu said the book will be recommended to academic institutions to be a guild in the quest for the development of the society through agriculture.

The governor represented by Chief Israel Amanze, his Special Adviser on Agriculture called on youths to think about yam production, pointing out that it lessens unemployment among them.

Ikpeazu commended Onyemaobi for reinvigorating and resuscitating Abia ADP, adding, “before people thought ADP was a moribund institution but now with Onyemaobi, Abia ADP is vibrant”.

Also speaking, the Senator representing Abia central zone, Theodore Orji represented by his former commissioner for works, Emeka Longman Nwachukwu remarked that the book is coming at the month the yam is being celebrated in Igboland.

He said the book will encourage commercial agriculture and consumption, pointing out that it will also motivate the youths to go into agriculture.