23rd June, 2015
Sam Obinna Ibe/Umuahia
The immediate past Deputy Chief of Staff, office of the deputy governor of Abia State, Chief Charles Ogbonnaya, Eastern Nigeria has stated that placing a priority on agricultural holds the key to the survival of Abia and Nigeria now that revenue from oil continue to dwindle.
Ogbonnaya who stated this in Umuahia in an interview with our correspondent noted that since oil is no longer generating revenue that is sufficient for the country, there is need refocus our attention on the agriculture sector.
The former Deputy Chief of Staff maintained that when late Dr. M.I. Okpara was the Premier of Eastern Nigeria, the eastern economy, the region thrived on agriculture.
He advised Abia state governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu to look at agriculture in order to shore up Abia’s Internally Generated Revenue.
He pointed out that everything done by the late premier of Eastern Nigeria was based on agriculture which made the region the fastest growing economy. He stressed that there is need to go back to agriculture especially now that oil and gas no longer yield much revenue.
Ogbonnaya expressed optimism that Abia state will look better should government yield to his advice while calling on all Abians to give the newly elected governor their support for him to succeed.
The frontline politician of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party in the state commended Ikpeazu for the bold steps taken so far to reposition the state, describing Ikpeazu as a serious-minded person who will surpass his predecessor.
He added that it is the wish of the father that the son does better than him while noting that Ikpeazu will commission some projects to mark his 100 days in office.
The former executive officer of Umuahia North Local Government also lauded the governor for assembling best brains that will work out modalities on how to move the state forward without necessarily waiting for federal allocation.
Ogbonnaya is very optimistic that Ikpeazu will do well as a governor while asking Abians and residents alike to cooperate with him in his quest to take Abia to next level of development.