By Chibuike Nkwede
Not less than 250 bags of fertiliser have been distributed to farmers in Ikwo South State Constituency by the Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly (EBSHA), Rt. Hon. Moses Ije Odunwa, as part of efforts to boost agricultural production and support food security in the constituency.
The distribution took place on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at the Speaker’s residence in Effiemgbabu, Inyimegu, Ikwo Local Government Area, and attracted farmers, traditional rulers, political stakeholders, public office holders, academics, town union leaders, party faithful and other constituents.
Speaking during the flag-off, Odunwa said the initiative was aimed at supporting local farmers and strengthening agricultural activities in the constituency.
“Today we are here to flag off distribution of farm inputs. We have been able to procure some bags of fertiliser for distribution to farmers, to our local farmers,” he said.
The Speaker expressed appreciation to the people of Ikwo South for their continued support, particularly traditional rulers, stakeholders and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He urged his constituents to continue supporting the APC-led administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the federal level and Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru in Ebonyi State.
“And we are urging our teaming supporters to continue support the government of APC, ably led at the national level by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and at the state level by Rt. Hon. Bldr. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru,” Odunwa said.
He also reaffirmed his commitment to effective representation, saying the welfare and development of his constituents remained a priority.
Odunwa further raised concern over the poor condition of some roads in Ikwo Local Government Area, promising to intensify efforts to draw the attention of relevant authorities to the challenges and advocate lasting solutions.
He cautioned the beneficiaries against selling the fertiliser, urging them to use the farm input for its intended purpose.
The Coordinator of Ikwo Central Development Centre, Hon. ThankGod Sinbad Igboke, described the distribution as an annual initiative of the Speaker aimed at encouraging farming and improving the productivity of farmers.
He advised beneficiaries to make judicious use of the fertiliser.
“If you are not using your own, your neighbour is in need of it, and assist your neighbour to make use of it instead of selling it out,” he said.
Prof. Anthony Itumo, who spoke during the event, described the fertiliser distribution as an annual engagement by Odunwa, noting that a similar exercise was conducted the previous year.
“It’s a pleasure to be in our midst today, especially for the sharing of farm input which has been an annual ritual for our Hon. member. Last year we gathered the same way; today we are here gathered,” he said.
Itumo also expressed support for Odunwa’s re-election bid in 2027 and urged constituents to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
“On behalf of my own ward and the entire Ikwo South constituency, I wish to say that we the stakeholders are behind him, and we must ensure his victory come 2027,” he said.
He described the PVC as an important tool for citizens to participate in the electoral process, urging those who had not obtained theirs to do so.
Also speaking, the President of the town union, represented by the Member of the Local Government Advisory Committee, Hon. Hillary Igwe, commended the Speaker for consistently remembering his constituents through various empowerment initiatives.
He described Ikwo South as an agrarian constituency where support for farmers could directly improve household incomes and agricultural output.
According to him, the town union would continue to support Odunwa, expressing confidence in his representation and his bid for another term in office.
Similarly, the South-East representative of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, High Chief Clement Alobu Nweke, praised Odunwa’s performance in the State House of Assembly.
Nweke said the presence of traditional rulers and other critical stakeholders at the event demonstrated the Speaker’s popularity and acceptance among his constituents.
“Mr Speaker has done very well and he deserves to be re-elected. We have no doubt we will re-elect you,” he said.
He also commended Odunwa for his interventions in agriculture and other areas of constituency development, expressing optimism that a renewed mandate would bring more dividends of democracy to Ikwo South.
The traditional rulers present, including HRH Major Igboke Onwe, the host traditional ruler; Eze Dominic I. Alo of Amaegu Community; and Eze Isaiah Otubo of Igbudu Amaegu Community, alongside other stakeholders, commended the initiative and pledged their support for the Speaker.
Other stakeholders at the event included the former Chief Whip of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly and former representative of Ikwo South Constituency, Rt. Hon. Chike Ogiji Imo; Special Assistant to the Governor on Community Engagement, Hon. Paulinus Nwacho; Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Mobilisation, Hon. Josephine; APC Youth Leader in Ikwo LGA, Hon. Bakasi Uche Nwacho; Chairman of Igbudu Ward 2, Hon. Mrs Regina Itumo; and other political and community leaders.
The farmers, who turned out in large numbers to receive the farm inputs, expressed appreciation to the Speaker, promising to put the fertiliser to productive use.
The initiative, according to the organisers, is expected to support farmers during the current farming season while contributing to increased food production and food security across Ikwo South.