In a bold move to reposition agriculture as the engine of rural transformation in Udenu Local Government Area, the Executive Chairman, Aka Eze Aka, on Tuesday afternoon paid a high-level consultative visit to Umuagu Eg’ Clan in Nkporogwu Community, located in Ibenda, Obollo Eke Ward. The purpose of the visit was to initiate dialogue with the Clan Leaders on the establishment of the proposed Udenu Modern Farming Estate.
The meeting, which took place at the family compound of the respected Chief Aba Asogwa, brought together elders, Community Stakeholders, and members of the Umuagu Eg’ Clan. At the helm of the Traditional Council was the Onyishi Umuagu Eg’, Elder Michael Agbo, the eldest man in the clan, who led deliberations from the Community side.
Udenu Mayor arrives Chief Aba Asogwa family compound, venue of the meeting. He was being received by Chief Herbert Nnaji, while Hon. Innocent Eze looks on
The proposed Udenu Farming Estate is part of the Local Government’s strategic alignment with Governor Peter Mbah’s agricultural revolution in Enugu State, which seeks to turn underutilized arable lands into productive, secure, and economically viable agro-communities. Speaking to the gathering, Chairman Aka Eze emphasized the significance of this initiative, describing it as a timely intervention that promises to yield mutual benefits for both the people and the government.
“Since it has pleased His Excellency, Governor Peter Mbah, to show special love and attention to Udenu, it is my resolve to bring integral development even to the most forgotten parts of our Local Government,” Aka Eze said. “This agricultural policy is not just about farming — it’s about reclaiming our land, feeding ourselves, and protecting our Communities from external threats, especially from invading militia and pastoralist bandits who often exploit idle lands.”
Aka Eze Aka being welcomed into the meeting by the Onyishi Umuagu Eg’, Elder Michael Agbo
He explained that the expansive lands of Umuagu Eg’ and Ulon’Umuagu have been identified as highly fertile and suitable for the modern farm estate. He was, however, quick to dispel any concerns of land grabbing, stating clearly: “We are not here to take your lands. We are here to partner with you, to develop the land in your interest and for the progress of our Local Government.”
The Chairman assured the elders that the farm estate would not only provide employment and food security but also usher in critical infrastructure such as access roads, water, and agro-processing facilities — all designed to enhance the socio-economic wellbeing of the host Communities.
Aka Eze Aka addressing the Clan Leaders during the meeting
Responding on behalf of the community, Chief Herbert Nnaji, the Clan Spokesperson, expressed appreciation for the consultative approach adopted by the Council Chairman. He lauded both Gov. Peter Mbah and Aka Eze Aka for their visionary leadership, describing the initiative as “a historic opportunity to bring meaningful development to rural Communities.”
“We are in full support of Governor Mbah’s administration and the Local Government under Aka Eze,” Chief Nnaji declared. “We are excited by this initiative and are willing to make our land available for this noble purpose, so long as the terms are mutually agreed and the rights of our people protected.”
Hon. Innocent Eze addressing the people during the meeting
He also noted that the Umuagu Eg’ Clan has always been committed to peace and progress and will continue to work with the Government to achieve a common goal of development.
The visit marked a significant milestone in the rollout of Udenu’s agricultural policy, with hopes high that this model of community-based consultation will set a precedent for future projects.
The Mayor was accompanied to the meeting by former Caretaker Chairman of Udenu, Hon. Innocent Eze, whose maternal home is Umagu Ibenda, the SPA on Political Matters, Hon. Maduka Abonyi, SPA on Project Implementations, Hon. Basil Obetta, the Supervisor for Agriculture in the Local Government, Hon. Kelechi Ugwu,
A section of Umuagu Eg’ Community during the meeting
As the meeting ended, Community elders prayed for the success of the program and offered traditional blessings to the Chairman and his delegation. Discussions on the formal terms of agreement are expected to continue in the coming days, setting the stage for what could become one of the largest modern farming estates in the Nsukka zone.
© AkaEzeAka Media Team.
