Over the weekend, Ezza South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State launched a large-scale agricultural initiative involving the planting of 10,000 economic trees and 30,000 palm seedlings.
The programme forms part of the council’s broader plan to strengthen agriculture, promote food security, and protect the environment.
In a briefing with journalists in Abakaliki, the Council Chairperson, Mrs. Nwali, explained that the project aims to curb erosion, beautify the surroundings, and drive economic growth through agro-based development.
According to her, the trees comprising palm, mango, cashew, orange, rubber, guava, and other varieties, are being planted in schools, farmlands, and various communities.
The palm seedlings are being distributed to traditional rulers, town union leaders, councillors, and residents.
“We initiated the planting of 10,000 trees to help control erosion, improve our environment, and stimulate the local economy. This is an investment in the future,” she said.
Mrs. Nwali further noted that the campaign covers all primary and secondary schools in Ezza South, with the council providing the trees at no cost and overseeing the planting process.
Mrs. Nwali further revealed that the local government has successfully raised over 30,000 palm seedlings, which are now being planted or distributed to residents for both individual and community farming purposes.
“We have distributed the palm seedlings to traditional rulers, community stakeholders, schools, town union executives, councillors, and farmers. Whether planted directly by the council or by individuals, what matters most is that they take root here in Ezza South,” she emphasized.
Showcasing the council’s achievements in agriculture, the chairperson noted that Ezza South has expanded into large-scale production of cassava, maize, yam, cocoyam, cucumber, rice, and pepper, while also offering support for poultry and fish farming.
She stressed that every government official in the area,including councillors, supervisors, and appointees has been directed to establish and maintain personal farms.
“No land in Ezza South should remain unused. If you cannot cultivate it yourself, engage someone else and share the harvest. We must ensure that hunger has no place in our communities,” she stated.
Nwali also disclosed that the council has provided farmers with essential inputs, including fertiliser, rice seedlings, and agrochemicals, to boost crop yield and overall productivity.
In addition, she announced that the local government has begun constructing a 5-kilometre concrete road linking several communities. She explained that the project is intended to make it easier for farmers and traders to transport goods and for residents to move between farms, markets, and schools.
“This road serves as a vital link to numerous farms, markets, and schools. It will significantly improve the transportation of produce and promote rural trade in Ezza South,” she said.
Reaffirming her administration’s dedication to ensuring food availability and affordability, Nwali pointed to the low prices of foodstuffs in local markets such as Eke as proof of the positive impact of the council’s agricultural initiatives.
