Abia State Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, has assured the Tiv community residing in the state of equal opportunities and inclusion, pledging to present its requests for agricultural land and a designated market to Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, for consideration.
Emetu gave the assurance when he received the leadership of the Tiv Socio-Cultural Association, Abia State, on a courtesy and solidarity visit. During the visit, the association commended the state government’s performance in infrastructure development, electricity supply, digital development and public service delivery.
Welcoming the delegation, the Deputy Governor said the government was committed to treating all residents fairly, irrespective of their ethnic backgrounds, provided they contributed positively to the development of the state.
“I don’t want you to 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,” Emetu said.
He cited the appointment of a non-indigene as Head of Service and the recruitment of qualified applicants into the state civil service as examples of the administration’s commitment to merit and equal opportunity.
The Deputy Governor congratulated Mr. Daniel Lorfa and his wife on securing teaching appointments, urging them to demonstrate commitment and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
Addressing the association’s requests, Emetu said he would discuss with Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, the possibility of providing suitable land for agricultural production and identifying a convenient location where Tiv farmers and traders could market their produce.
“Agriculture, I put it before politics,” Emetu declared, emphasising the importance of agricultural investment in reducing poverty, strengthening food security and lowering the cost of essential food items by reducing transportation expenses.
He requested that the association formally document its land requirements and submit them for consideration. He added that relevant government officials would be engaged to explore suitable arrangements for the proposed market.
On civic participation, Emetu encouraged eligible residents to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and ensure that their voter registration details were in order, particularly those who had transferred their registration to Abia State. He also urged residents to participate actively in the democratic process and protect their votes during elections.
Earlier, the President General of the Tiv Socio-Cultural Association, Abia State, Mr. Jonahson T. Chie, appealed for government assistance in securing suitable farmland and a designated market for the community’s agricultural produce.
Chie disclosed that the association had approximately 5,000 members across Abia State, some of whom were already engaged in farming in communities including Ukwa West and Ohafia.
He explained that 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.
The President General said the association could arrange regular deliveries of substantial quantities of agricultural produce, including several truckloads of yams, to markets in Abia State. He noted that the initiative would increase food availability, promote commercial activities and create economic opportunities for farmers, traders and consumers.
The Chairman of the association’s Aba branch, Mr. John Mbache, praised improvements in road infrastructure, particularly in Aba. He assured the Deputy Governor of the association members’ support for Governor Otti’s re-election in the 2027 general elections.
In his remarks, the Umuahia branch chairman, Mr. Daniel Lorfa, thanked the Deputy Governor for the warm reception and commended the state government’s recruitment process.
Lorfa cited the teaching appointments secured by him and his wife without paying anyone, describing the process as merit-based and one that provided qualified applicants with fair opportunities.
The highlight of the visit was the decoration of the Deputy Governor in Tiv traditional attire by members of the association, symbolising friendship, solidarity and peaceful coexistence among ethnic communities in Abia State.
The release was issued by Sir Cyril Chukwudi Eke Mba, Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Government House, Umuahia.
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