• Calls for investment in Agriculture

By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in a statement on Wednesday, praised Igbo philanthropists for their generosity and provision of food supplies to persons in need in various communities throughout Igboland during the yuletide.

It noted that every Christmas, Ndigbo are recognized for their kindness, urging them to invest significantly in agriculture and also return to the tradition of teaching individuals how to fish rather than merely giving them fish.

The statement signed by IPOB media and publicity secretary, Emma Powerful, partly reads: "Biafrans demonstrate creativity and find solutions to challenges. They are recognized for their diligence and self-sufficiency.

"Ndigbo value learning to fish, than depending on being given fish. With the farming season starting in February/March, we urge affluent Igbos to invest significantly in agriculture. Alaigbo has cultivable lands.

"We can cultivate a wide variety of crops on a large scale, including rice and beans that we provide every Christmas. Certain individuals may explore livestock agriculture. Ranches can be built, and some young people can be educated in livestock farming like cattle.

"Having substantial cattle ranches in 3 or 4 Eastern states will help prevent scarcity and insecurity caused by the terrorist actions of Fulani herdsmen. Ndigbo requires significant investments in the agricultural sector to achieve food sufficiency or at the very least meet 60% of our food requirements.

"The affluent Igbo individuals should significantly invest in agriculture to enable our community to transition from subsistence farming to mechanized farming. We possess the land, we possess the young populace, we possess the market, we possess the innovation, and we possess the ability to provide energy to sustain the farming industry."

While stating that Ndigbo requires substantial investments in agriculture to achieve food sufficiency or at least fulfill 60% of its food requirements, the group called on affluent Igbo individuals to significantly invest in agriculture to enable Igbo communities to transition from subsistence farming to mechanized farming.

It added: "We possess the land, a young population, a market, creativity, and manufacturing firms such as Innoson Industries and others capable of designing and producing sophisticated agricultural machinery like tractors for mechanized farming. Everything that is necessary is the desire to enter this crucial field.

"We applaud those already involved in this field. Farms like Coscharis in Anambra that are cultivating rice. This company and others can supply all the rice required for our consumption, export, and distribution throughout Christmas. In doing so, our money circulates throughout the economy.

"Some individuals will use insecurity as a reason. While security is crucial in agriculture, it will not stop us when there is determination.

"Thankfully, the insecurity situation in the South East is the lowest relative to other regions in Nigeria. Even in the North, despite her significant insecurity, they continue to produce food that is adequate for export outside their area. If the unstable North can have mechanized farming (though backed by the Federal Government), then we can promote mechanized agriculture through the communal and volunteer efforts of Ndigbo."

IPOB further called for increased investment in the agriculture sector for national security rather than relying on food imports from adversaries.

It added: "Over the last year, IPOB made investments in Agriculture by working with various individual farmers. We also applaud the Biafrans who respond to the Agric Revolution initiative put forth by IPOB in 2025.

"The call produced excellent outcomes. In 2025, there was an abundant harvest of various crops, such as tomatoes, carrots, onions, etc., that had previously been regarded as northern-exclusive crops. Consequently, the prices of food products did not increase significantly when compared to earlier years.

"In 2026, we urge our affluent Igbo individuals to participate in the Agriculture Revolution to achieve food sufficiency in Alaigbo. ESN will uphold the security situation to guarantee the safety of our farmers and farms.

"We call on Igbo billionaires and philanthropists to create job opportunities through cottage industries for the youth. These cottage industries will create job opportunities while ensuring that the produce from farmers is processed.

"Cottage industries can purchase large quantities of agricultural products during the harvest, keep the storable ones, and process the rest for sale and export. Industries are needed that can purchase substantial quantities of agricultural goods and transform them into various finished products for domestic markets and export. Agribusiness is a highly profitable and expandable industry.

"Distributing rice and food products is admirable, especially during Christmas, emergencies, and times of crisis. This can only offer a short-term respite. Equipping people with skills, resources (like seeds, tools, tractors, and land ownership), and knowledge (including sustainable farming and business skills) promotes enduring self-reliance, dignity, and strong communities, moving from dependency to true food security and economic progress.

"We should shift our emphasis from providing free fish to teaching individuals how to fish for themselves. We must enable our rural farmers to transition to mechanized agriculture.

"With the farming season approaching, it is essential for our people to consciously invest in this crucial sector (Agriculture) for our survival and national security."

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