A wave of relief has swept through farming communities in Abia State following the flag-off of the 10th annual subsidised fertiliser distribution by the Abia Grassroots Movement. The event took place at the organisation’s zonal office in Nkwokpu, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.
The initiative is a strategic move to increase food production, lower rising farming costs, and improve livelihoods during the 2026 cropping season.
Speaking at the ceremony at Izybest Plaza, Nkwokpu, the Board of Trustees Chairman of Abia Grassroots Movement and Chairman of Izybest Group, Hon. Chief Israel Amanze (Oke Orji Abia), assured beneficiaries that the programme supports genuine rural farmers. He stressed that agriculture remains a key pillar of economic growth and food security, urging recipients to use the fertilisers wisely to boost crop yields.
“This is an annual event we have sustained for ten years, in addition to helping our members benefit from government agricultural programmes,” Mr Amanze said. “Abia Grassroots is a farmers’ organisation, not a political one. The purpose of this subsidy is to support your farming businesses.”
Flagging off the ceremony, former Commissioner of the Abia State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ASOPADEC) and President of the Ngwa Patriot Forum, Chief Uzo Ihuka, commended Mr Amanze’s gesture as timely and capable of easing financial burdens on local farmers. He urged wealthy individuals in the state to emulate this philanthropy to improve agricultural productivity and alleviate poverty.
Other speakers included Engr. Chibuzor Patrick Esihe (Founder, Think Global and Chibuzor Esihe Foundation); High Chief Ebere Fike Enyi; and Mrs Charity Ochiulo, Abia State Chairperson of the Rice Farmers Association and South-East leader of Moringa farmers. They applauded Mr Amanze’s commitment to revitalising the agricultural sector and empowering rural communities.
The State Secretary of Abia Grassroots Movement, Engr. Christopher C. Chigbu, explained that the distribution would be closely monitored to ensure transparency and equitable access. He noted that the organisation is registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) as a farmers’ body, and members are keying into Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security programmes through the Bank of Agriculture (BOA).
Beneficiaries, including BOT member Mr Christian Amamba, Mr Ugochukwu Ihediiwa, and State Women Leader Mrs Ngozi Ocho, expressed gratitude for the initiative. They noted that high input costs had previously discouraged small-scale farmers from cultivating larger land areas, but the subsidy would help them expand.
Subsidised fertilisers include NPK 25:10:05, NPK 20:10:10, NPK 15:15:15, NPK 20:10:10 Special, and ammonium bicarbonate fertilisers. Additionally, 52 grassroots women agribusiness entrepreneurs from selected LGAs received training in fertiliser use and sales, along with high-quality fertilisers on credit for retail across wards.
The event was witnessed by fertiliser distribution committee members from various wards, selected women entrepreneurs, farmers’ associations, traditional rulers, stakeholders, and partners.
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