Enugu State Governorship Candidate Promises 1.2 Million Jobs Through Agricultural Development

The Peoples Democratic Party's governorship candidate, Peter Mbah, has outlined ambitious plans to transform Enugu State's agricultural sector and create over 1.2 million jobs. Speaking at an interactive session with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) Enugu State Chapter, Mbah emphasized the need to shift from subsistence farming to mechanized farming, leveraging technology and innovative agro-allied industries to boost production and employment opportunities. His vision involves establishing special economic zones for agricultural processing, deploying technology to enhance farming practices, and working with the State House of Assembly to harmonize land tenure systems.

Key Takeaways:

• Mbah's plan aims to create over 1.2 million jobs through agricultural development, with a focus on transforming the sector from subsistence farming to mechanized farming.
• The candidate plans to establish special agro-allied processing zones across the three senatorial districts in Enugu State, leveraging technology to enhance farming practices.
• Mbah intends to deploy ICT to make farmers ICT-literate, enabling them to scale up production and employment opportunities.
• His administration will designate special economic zones for agricultural processing, avoiding friction between commercial farmers and communities through such designation.
• Mbah plans to harmonize land tenure systems with the State House of Assembly, allowing for efficient land allocation and investment.
• The candidate emphasized the need for an aggressive investment drive to create employment and ensure exponential economic growth in Enugu State.

Statistics:

• Mbah estimates that adding one hectare of farmland would create four employment opportunities, with a goal of 100,000 hectares per senatorial zone, resulting in 400,000 jobs per zone and 1.2 million jobs across the state.
• He plans to create value chain in production, processing, packaging, storage, and transportation facilities to facilitate market access to farm produce.

Sources:

• Mbah, Peter. Governorship candidate, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Enugu State.