Abia Pledges Farmland, Market For Tiv Community

Abia State Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu has pledged to present the Tiv community’s requests for farmland and a designated produce market to Governor Alex Otti for consideration.

Emetu gave the assurance when he received the leadership of the Tiv Socio-Cultural Association in Abia State during a courtesy and solidarity visit.

He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to equal opportunities and inclusion for all residents, irrespective of their ethnic backgrounds.

“Don’t count yourself as an outsider because, as long as you live in Abia State, pay your taxes and do your business here, you are already an Abian. We don’t care where you are from. We will treat you like every other Abian,” he said.

The Deputy Governor cited the appointment of a non-indigene as Head of Service and the recruitment of qualified applicants into the state civil service as evidence of the administration’s commitment to merit and fairness.

He also congratulated Daniel Lorfa and his wife on securing teaching appointments, urging them to demonstrate professionalism and dedication in their duties.

Addressing the community’s requests, Emetu said he would discuss with Otti the possibility of allocating suitable land for agricultural production and identifying a convenient location where Tiv farmers could sell their produce.

“Agriculture, I put it before politics,” he declared, stressing that agricultural investment was essential to reducing poverty, improving food security and lowering food prices by cutting transportation costs.

He urged the association to formally document its farmland requirements and submit them for consideration, adding that relevant government officials would be engaged to explore arrangements for the proposed market.

Emetu also encouraged eligible residents to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and ensure their voter registration details were accurate, particularly those who had transferred their registration to Abia State. He urged them to participate actively in elections and protect their votes.

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Earlier, the President General of the Tiv Socio-Cultural Association in Abia State, Jonahson T. Chie, appealed to the government to assist members in securing farmland and a designated market for their agricultural produce.

Chie disclosed that the association had approximately 5,000 members across the state, some of whom were already engaged in farming in communities including Ukwa West and Ohafia.

He said access to farmland would enable members to expand the cultivation of yams, cassava, maize and other food crops, while a designated market would provide an organised platform for selling their produce.

According to him, the association could arrange regular supplies of substantial quantities of farm produce, including several truckloads of yams, to markets across the state.

He said the initiative would improve food availability, stimulate commercial activities and create economic opportunities for farmers, traders and consumers.

The Chairman of the association’s Aba branch, John Mbache, commended improvements in road infrastructure, particularly in Aba, and pledged the community’s support for Otti’s re-election bid in 2027.

Similarly, the Umuahia branch chairman, Daniel Lorfa, thanked the Deputy Governor for receiving the delegation and praised the state government’s recruitment process.

Lorfa said he and his wife secured teaching appointments without paying anyone, describing the process as merit-based and transparent.

The visit featured the presentation of Tiv traditional attire to Emetu, symbolising friendship, solidarity and peaceful coexistence among ethnic communities in Abia State.

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