Anambra State Town Unions Launch Community Young Farmers Forum

The Anambra state association of town union (ASATU) youth wing, led by Comr. Ken Okoli, has taken a proactive step towards enhancing food production and empowering young people in agriculture with the establishment of the Anambra Community Young Farmers Forum (ACYFF). The initiative, which aligns with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s Farm-to-Feed program and the First Lady’s Healthy Living With Nonye Soludo Farm project, was inaugurated at the ASATU Secretariat Hall in Government House, Awka the state capital during the first general meeting of the year.

Comr. Okoli highlighted the importance of the ACYFF as a hub for young farmers to increase agricultural output, address food scarcity, and explore export opportunities. “The platform aims to provide support for sustainable farming practices and cooperates with the Ministry of Agriculture. Each community in Anambra State will have a coordinator to represent them in the forum.”

During the inauguration, Dr. Foster Ihejiofor, Commissioner for Agriculture, commended ASATU Youth for their efforts and assured government support. The ACYFF was inaugurated with Hon Casmir Orie as the State Coordinator, Comrade Enebeli Idowu as Chairman, and Comrade Ejim Ucheagwu as Secretary of the Advisory Council.

Emeka Iloghalu, Managing Director of the Anambra State Fisheries and Aquaculture Business Development Agency (FABDA), emphasized the economic potential of fish farming and pledged continuous assistance to the forum. Additionally, business consultant Mr. Chineme Oguegbe encouraged young farmers to treat agriculture as a business to enhance profitability and competitiveness in the market.

Mr. Jerry Ngene, promoter of the Youths for Agricultural Revolution Initiative, advised ACYFF members to take the opportunity seriously and build their brands. The inauguration of ACYFF comes at a time when Anambra State is ramping up efforts to boost agricultural productivity and self-sufficiency, with stakeholders believing that empowering young farmers will be key to achieving these goals.

The event also saw the inauguration of 12 Community Youth Leaders who are now full members of the association. The PG of ASATU Youth presented Prof. Poly I. Emenike with the Anambra Community Youth Development Award and Star Role Model Award for his significant contributions to youth and community development in Nanka, Orumba North, and Anambra State at large.