The Executive Governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has distributed motorcycles to Agricultural Extension Agents (AEAs).
The Governor’s action, which came under the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) assisted Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) in Enugu State, is part of his government’s efforts to boost agriculture in the State.
The beneficiaries were drawn from the five LGAs of IFAD VCDP intervention which include Aninri, Enugu East, Isi Uzo, Nkanu East and Udenu.
Governor Ugwuanyi was represented during the event by the Enugu State IFAD VCDP Programme Coordinator, Dr. Edward Isiwu at IFAD VCDP Office Complex.
While addressing the Local Government Liaison Officers, Agricultural Extension Agents and Farmer Organisations, he enjoined them to utilize the motorcycles and ensure they conduct their extension works effectively and efficiently.
He emphatically asked the AEAs to ensure that they reached out to rural farmers, “advise and educate them on how to make better decisions, enabling them to clarify their own goals and possibilities in order to stimulate desirable agricultural development.”
He also emphasised that “the role of Agricultural Extension Agents as a mechanism of transmitting technical information to trigger change among farming communities is a central issue in enhancing agricultural production and food security in the wider society.
He warned the AEAs against using the motorcycles for purposes other than the extension work it was meant for.
Appreciating His Excellency, the liaison officer representing Isi Uzo Local Government Area, Chief Daniel Ede said, “I thank His Excellency, for making these motorcycles available as it will definitely, to a large extent, enhance the productivity level of AEAs by enhancing the knowledge base on good agronomic practices of the farmers and enabling food security at the end.”
Also speaking, Mr. John M. Eze, the Agricultural Extension Agent representing Nkanu East Local Government, in his appreciative remarks said, “I am overwhelmed with the motorcycles that VCDP distributed to us for our extension works.
“We don’t have any reason to fail, therefore we are going to do our best to make sure our farmers come first.”
