The Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Programme (ATASP-Phase one) has garnered commendation from Enugu State Governor, Barr Peter Mbah, who sees it as a catalyst for the innovative transformation of agriculture in the state. Speaking at the opening of the ATASP-1 (Adani-Omor Zone) Steering Committee Meeting in Enugu, Mbah emphasized the alignment between the state government’s objectives and the program’s mission.
Representing the Governor, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialization, Chief Nwabueze Ubru, praised the ATASP-1 for its transformative impact on smallholder farmers in the selected boundary communities of Anambra and Enugu States.
Highlighting the program’s accomplishments, Mbah encouraged the local communities, particularly youth and women, to take advantage of the offered learning opportunities, improved seedlings, effective pest control methods, and agricultural extension services. He emphasized that ATASP-1 is creating modern agricultural businesses in rural areas, providing sustainable employment and engaging the youth and women in Enugu State’s Adani axis and Anambra State’s Omor axis.
“This program has successfully minimized restiveness among rural youth and empowered them to be productive,” he added.
Mbah reassured the state government’s commitment to supporting the program and advocated for its expansion to benefit more rural communities. He recognized the need to include a wider array of beneficiaries to create a multiplier effect that brings lasting change to Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.
During the meeting, Dr. Romanus Egba, the Zonal ATASP-1 (Adani and Omor) Coordinator, outlined the purpose of the session. It aimed to assess ATASP-1’s accomplishments in the zone during the first half of the year and beyond. Additionally, the meeting sought to evaluate the program’s achievements and challenges concerning community and rural projects, including infrastructure development such as roads, schools, hospitals, and markets.
Egba affirmed that the program had already improved the socio-economic well-being of the participating states and bolstered investments in agriculture, leading to more food security.
He disclosed, “We are dedicated to implementing infrastructure upgrades, including functional irrigational facilities for large-scale dry season farming within the participating communities this year.”
Mr. Livinus Onyenwe, the Transitional Committee Chairman of Ayamelum in Anambra, praised the program’s impact on livelihoods, community engagement, and agricultural practices. He acknowledged ATASP-1 for facilitating the construction of rural roads and bridges and creating employment opportunities for hundreds of youths. Onyenwe called for increased involvement and investment from the participating state governments to ensure the program’s continued success.
Participants also expressed their gratitude to the co-funding institutions of ATASP-1 for their consistent support in developing rural communities and uplifting the lives of rural dwellers.
