Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has called on the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to extend its agricultural value chain operations to all 13 local government areas of the state to strengthen rural development and improve agricultural productivity.
The governor made the appeal while receiving an IFAD delegation at his office in Centenary City, Abakaliki, where he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to agricultural development and rural transformation.
Nwifuru said his government was prepared to expand the IFAD Value Chain Development Programme to meet the agricultural and agro-allied needs of more communities across the state.
He noted that widening the programme’s reach would support the state’s agricultural sector and strengthen efforts to improve the livelihoods of rural residents.
The governor commended IFAD for its efforts towards agricultural development in Ebonyi and reiterated his administration’s commitment to harnessing the state’s agricultural potential.
The proposed expansion is expected to extend the programme’s benefits beyond its existing coverage, although the governor’s request does not in itself confirm that operations have been extended to all 13 local government areas.
Ebonyi, known for its agricultural activities, has continued to pursue initiatives aimed at improving food production, supporting rural communities and strengthening agricultural value chains.
Speaking during the meeting, IFAD Country Director, Mohammed El-Ghazaly, said the delegation was in Ebonyi State to assess the progress made under the Value Chain Development Programme.
El-Ghazaly explained that the supervision mission was scheduled to run until October 21, providing an opportunity to evaluate the programme’s implementation and achievements.
The visit comes as the state government seeks to strengthen collaboration with development partners to advance agriculture and improve economic opportunities for rural communities.
The Ebonyi State Coordinator of IFAD, Dr Sunday Ituma, said the programme had contributed to addressing food insecurity and other agricultural challenges in the state.
His remarks highlighted the role of agricultural development interventions in improving food availability and supporting communities that depend on farming for their livelihoods.
The governor’s call for wider coverage places the IFAD Value Chain Development Programme at the centre of ongoing efforts to expand agricultural support, promote rural development and improve food security across Ebonyi State.
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