Chibunna Ikeokwu
The Mayor of Bende Local Government Area, Barrister Chijioke Nwankwo has revealed that the delegates from the Bulgarian Government visit to his council is to explore possible areas in agriculture for mechanized farming and human capital development.
The visit he explained was in line with the vision of Governor Alex Otti’s commitment to significantly develop and revitalize the state’s agricultural sector.
The Bulgarian delegation, which comprises soil experts in agriculture and related fields, toured various communities in Bende LGA including Item and Alayi, where they collected soil samples for testing while arrangements are in top gear to have them visit other communities in the council.
Mayor Nwankwo also states that the collaboration with the Bulgarian delegates when finalised will particularly deepen interest in such areas as mechanization of agricultural practices where they will be sharing expertise and technology transfer to improve productivity and efficiency in agribusiness, training programmes for farmers and agric workers to enhance skills and knowledge, providing technical support and guidance to local farmers in agribusinesses.
Other areas includes exploring potential partnerships between Bulgaria and Abia state government to invest in agricultural projects and other businesses within Bende LGA.
However, the council boss reiterates that the partnership in agribusiness has the potential to strengthen the relationship between Nigeria and Bulgaria and holds immense promise in the future to create jobs, boost economic growth, improve the livelihood of people within Bende, Abia and Nigeria at large.
Meanwhile, the commissioner for Agriculture, Prof. Monica Ironkwe said that the partnership is in line with Governor Otti’s policy to explore, develop and diversify the agric sector as a big contributor in the economic development of the state.
