The Enugu State Young Farmers Association (ENSYFA) is throwing its weight behind Dr. Eric Odo, Chairman of Igboetiti Local Government Area, for his pioneering approach to agriculture. Recently, Dr. Odo appointed Senior Special Advisers (SSAs) on specific crops like pepper, yam, and garden egg, a move that has sparked debate. As the President of ENSYFA, I wish to address the ongoing discussions surrounding these appointments.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Enugu State Young Farmers Association acknowledges that these appointments may seem unconventional, particularly because Enugu State and Nigeria at large have not officially designated Senior Special Advisers on specific crops or agriculture-focused roles. However, it is crucial to recognize and appreciate the intent behind these appointments. Agriculture remains the backbone of our local economies, and specialized attention to key crops is a proactive strategy for unlocking their full potential.
These appointments symbolize an innovative approach to governance, emphasizing the unique agricultural strengths and priorities of local communities. By having advisers dedicated to specific crops, cultivation, processing, marketing, and value addition can receive expert attention. For instance, pepper requires tailored policies to boost yield and profitability, particularly for export and industrial use. Our Ose – Nsukka has not gone out as an exportable crop of Ndi – Enugu and this might be a resultant effect of lack of decentralized specialization on specific crops.
Similarly, yam has untapped value chain opportunities in storage, processing, and distribution. Yet, we still bring in yams into Enugu state. Garden eggs hold significant cultural value and symbolize fertility and blessings. While these roles may seem unusual in our context, their potential to transform the agricultural landscape of the local government cannot be overlooked.
The approach aligns with ENSYFA’s vision of youth-driven agriculture, smart climate farming, and value chain development, which all aim to position Enugu as a regional agricultural powerhouse. Rather than criticizing these appointments, I urge the public to view them as a bold experiment in grassroots governance. If these advisers effectively fulfill their mandates, their work could inspire similar models at the state level.
To this end, we demand clear communication on the roles and responsibilities of these SSAs, as well as measurable outcomes to evaluate their impact on the agricultural economy. Enugu State stands on the threshold of agricultural transformation. Let us support initiatives that prioritize our collective growth and prosperity. Agriculture deserves a seat at the table of governance – not just as a policy agenda, but as a structured and operational part of government.
Kenneth Eze
President, Enugu State Young Farmers Association (ENSYFA).