The Enugu State House of Assembly has moved to revive the Enugu State Veterinary Farm Settlement at Achi, located in Oji River Local Government Area, following a motion sponsored by Hon. Osita Eze, representing the Oji River constituency.
The motion received backing from other lawmakers in the House.
Hon. Eze, in his remarks, recalled the historical importance of the Achi farm settlement, which once stood as a key veterinary hub in the former Eastern region.
He lamented the farm’s current state of neglect and underscored the urgent need to bring it back to life. His proposal suggested converting the farm settlement into a polytechnic to be affiliated with the Enugu State Polytechnic, Iwollo, thereby boosting its capacity to train veterinary professionals.
The lawmaker also raised concerns over the ongoing encroachment by outsiders on the farm’s land, a situation that has hindered its operations. He pointed out that the lack of laboratories and other essential facilities has led to a decline in productivity and a reduction in internally generated revenue.
Hon. Iloabuchi Aniagu, representing Nkanu West Constituency, seconded the motion and stressed the critical need to revitalize the Achi farm settlement, particularly for training professionals such as veterinary doctors who would be equipped to manage the state’s ranching programs. He urged the state’s Ministry of Agriculture to ensure that funds for this revitalization project are allocated in the 2025 budget.
Hon. Williams Amoka, representing Igbo-Etiti West constituency, shared his personal frustrations, recounting how he had to seek veterinary services outside Enugu State due to the lack of qualified professionals locally. He highlighted that the revitalization of the Achi farm settlement would help fill this gap by ensuring the availability of trained veterinary doctors and technicians within the state.
Other lawmakers, including Hon. Anthony Nwankwo (Awgu South), Hon. Clifford Ede (Igbo Eze North), and Hon. Okechukwu Aneke (Udi South), also lent their voices in support of the motion.
Speaker of the House, Hon. Uche Ugwu, while acknowledging the points raised by his colleagues, noted that the existing legislation governing the Enugu State Polytechnic, Iwollo, might present some challenges to affiliating the Achi farm settlement. Nevertheless, he expressed support for the other elements of the motion.