Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu’s strides in the Agricultural sector, which has served to boost the economy of the State have been applauded by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The Nigeria’s apex bank expressed satisfaction with the level of commitment the Governor has shown in the implementation of the ‘Poultry Chain’, an accelerated agricultural development scheme (AADS) by establishing the Abia State Poultry Clusters at Umuosu, Umunna Nsulu in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area of the State.

CBN’s Head, Development Finance Office, Camillus Ogbuagu, who made this known to newsmen after joining the State Project Monitoring Team (PMT) that inspected the project, described Ikpeazu’s achievements as a sign that other clusters would soon take off too.

Ogbuagu explained that the project was the pilot scheme and was among the facilities the CBN extended to the State Government to provide a minimum of 1000 jobs.

He expressed optimism that given the milestones achieved so far, Abia State would be able to create more jobs for her people.

“With this, the State has an opportunity to create many other thousands of jobs. But without this one being implemented, that window will not be opened and that is why we are so much happy that they (the State) are meeting up with the first requisite of this scheme for them to be able to access as many funding as possible, as they want in this poultry chain”.

“Accelerated Agricultural Development Scheme, is one of the keys to make sure that massive employment is created across the country and Abia State has keyed in and it is very impressive”.

On his part, the Chairman of the Project Monitoring Team and Commissioner for Agriculture, Professor Ikechi Mgbeoji stated that the Okezie Ikpeazu-led administration in Abia State was poised at ensuring that Abians get a lease of life, creating employment opportunities, driving the vision of government in Agriculture and encouraging the youths to key into his Agricultural revolution in the State.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary in his Ministry, Uzoamaka Ikonne, the Commissioner disclosed that the facilities captured in the scheme include 69 poultry pens (42 of which houses 1000 birds while 27 houses 500 birds), as well as a multipurpose magnificent administrative block.

Prof. Mgbeoji advised the beneficiaries of the first phase of the programme to see it as a rare opportunity for them to utilize effectively, adding that with the knowledge gained, their capacity would be built while they would be empowered with starter packs to start their own poultry businesses.

The Commissioner used the opportunity to explain that the state government has started the process of tackling the flooding issue affecting the project site with the mobilization of a grader to re-channel the water ways.