By Uchenna Ezeadigwe
Awka
The Mayor of Orumba North Local Government Area, Capt. Barr. Casmir Chukwunonso Nwafor (Rtd.), today officially flagged off the 2026 Farming Season, setting the stage for what many have described as a new era of agricultural transformation in the local government.
The event, held at the Orumba North Local Government Secretariat, Ajalli, which started with an opening prayers said by Hon. Henry Chikezie Mmadu, the MD Orumba North Environmental and Waste Management Authority, was anchored by the Supervisor for Works, Hon. Emezie Nwangene, and attracted a large gathering of farmers, government officials, agricultural stakeholders, civil servants, and community leaders.
Among the distinguished guests was the Anambra State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Ben Odoemenam, who delivered an insightful address in Igbo language, educating farmers on modern agricultural practices and opportunities available in the sector.
In his welcome address, Mayor Nwafor emphasized that the programme was designed to encourage farmers, boost food production, and strengthen agricultural development across Orumba North.
According to him, the fertile nature of Orumba North’s soil presents enormous opportunities for increased agricultural productivity, prompting his administration to pursue deliberate policies aimed at transforming the area into a major food-producing hub.
The Mayor revealed ongoing efforts to establish an Agricultural Institute in Orumba North in partnership with Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, while appealing to communities along the Awa–Ndiukwuenu axis to support the initiative with land allocation.
Capt. Nwafor further disclosed plans to establish large-scale vegetable farms within the local government and pledged to personally visit farms facing cultivation challenges in order to provide support and encouragement to farmers.
He urged farmers to maintain close contact with the Supervisor for Agriculture, Hon. Samuel Udeagha, and to report challenges affecting their farms and cooperatives so that the local government can intervene where necessary.
“Our administration is committed to serving our people. Farmers should not hesitate to bring their concerns to us. My office remains open and accessible to every resident of Orumba North,” the Mayor assured.
Speaking during the event, Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Ben Odoemenam, commended Mayor Nwafor for his commitment to grassroots agricultural development, noting that he was the first local government chairman to officially invite him to an agricultural programme since assuming office.
He described the event as a significant motivation for farmers and stakeholders, stressing that the planting season had begun and that agriculture remains one of the most profitable sectors of the economy.
The Commissioner noted that Orumba North’s agricultural vision aligns perfectly with the development agenda of the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, whose goal is to build a smart mega city capable of sustaining a growing population through enhanced food production.
He assured participants that the Ministry of Agriculture would partner with Orumba North Local Government to actualize its ambitious agricultural goals.
Dr. Odoemenam also encouraged farmers to embrace agriculture as a profitable business venture rather than merely a subsistence activity, adding that proper crop selection and market-driven farming remain key factors in maximizing agricultural profits.
Also speaking at the event were Mr. Godwin Akujieze, Programme Manager of the Agricultural Development Programme (ADP), and Mrs. Okafor Mmachukwu Maria, Head of Department of Agriculture, Orumba North LGA. They educated farmers on improved crop varieties, including Vitamin A cassava stems, and introduced pest-control solutions designed to protect crops during germination and early growth stages.
The highlight of the ceremony was the official flag-off of the 2026 farming season by the Commissioner for Agriculture, the Mayor of Orumba North, the Leader of the Orumba North Legislative Council, Hon. Philip Umeh, the Supervisor for Agriculture, the Head of Department of Agriculture, and the Head of Local Government Administration.
Improved seedlings and agricultural inputs were subsequently distributed to farmers present at the event.
In their response, farmers expressed appreciation to Mayor Nwafor for his unwavering commitment to agricultural development and for consistently organizing programmes that empower farmers. They pledged to make effective use of the seedlings and resources provided in order to increase food production and contribute meaningfully to the economic growth of Orumba North.
The programme came to an end with a closing remarks and prayers by the head of Local Government Administration.
The 2026 Farming Season Flag-Off marks yet another milestone in the ongoing efforts of the Orumba North administration to promote food security, create wealth through agriculture, and position the local government as a leading agricultural hub in Anambra State.
