Anambra Satte Governor, Mr. Peter Obi, has flagged off the distribution of the commercial Agricultural Credit Scheme to the third batch of beneficiaries. The ceremony took place at the Women Development Centre Awka.

The third batch of the distribution of the N1 billion credit scheme involves the disbursement of about N525 million to 288 co-operative society and 273 individual farmers. This is in addition to about N418 million earlier distributed to 165 cooperative and 166 individuals.

In his speech Governor Obi said the empowerment was in line with the interest his government had in agriculture. He said the loan would assist in the increase in productivity and would create employment opportunities in the drive to achieve the Millennium Development Goals.

The governor explained that small farmers are in dispensable in building and sustaining the Agricultural sector. He enjoined the farmers to ensure prompt repayment of the loan to enable other farmers benefit.

Speaking, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Ndubuisi Menakaya, said the state’s agricultural policy was geared towards developing agriculture into viable business, move from subsistent to mechanised agriculture and attract investors who would help to expand the sector.

Mr. Menakaya disclosed that the state would take delivery of over 100 tractors within the next two months. He also revealed that one of the biggest poultries in Africa, among other big-time farmers, is coming to invest in the state.

In his speech, the State Chairman of All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Chief Nnamdi Mekoh, said the intervention, if well utilised, would translate to significant increase in food production and drastic reduction in dependence on food items from other states, as well as create jobs for youths and women especially.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Constance Okafor, Mr. Jidefor Chukwuma and Mrs. Elizabeth Mbadugha thanked Governor Obi for the gesture. They assured that they would use the fund prudently to boost food production.

In another development, Governor Obi has presented a cheque for N995,000 to Mr. Edum Chukwuebuka Chidozie for a two-week International study in Switzerland.

Mr. Chidozie, a final year law student of the University of Ibadan, led the university team to two successful international competitions in Demark and Geneva on aspects of law organised by the International Chamber of Commerce and World Trade Organization.

The governor disclosed that the state government would equally sponsor the best graduating student of University of Nigeria Nsukka this year whose result has been acclaimed the best in recent time.

Chidozie expressed gratitude to Obi for the gesture and noted that the governor has continued to give people of the state a sense of pride.

Governor Peter Obi has also presented another cheque for N10 million to the School of Medical Laboratory Science & Technicians, Immaculate Heart Hospital, Nkpor, for the on-going three-storey Hostel Block project at Umuoji.

He said the gesture was in line with the partnership with the missionary to improve and entrench quality Health and Education sectors.

The Principal of the School, Reverend Sister, Maria Uzochukwu Ozor, observed that posterity will benefit from efforts and commitment of the governor to enthrone a new order.

Also speaking, the traditional ruler of Umuoji, Igwe Cyril Emueze, noted that Governor Obi was working to provide a progressive and sustainable future of the State.

Meanwhile, Governor Peter Obi has called for strict control and regulation of use of fire arms.He was speaking at Ukpo, Dunukofia Local Government Area, during the funeral ceremony of late Miss Chiamaka Mezue, daughter of the Special Assistant to the Wife of the Governor, Mrs Ndidi Mezue, who was shot by a private security guard.

Governor Obi enjoined security agencies to ensure that only responsible and competent operatives are allowed to carry arms.He said that it was sad and lamentable that at this present age and time, such a young girl should lose her life because of an irresponsible act of someone expected to protect the society.

•Photo: Governor Obi (left) presenting a cheque to Mr. Edum Chukwuebuka Chidozie, a final year law student of the University of Ibadan, for a two week International study in Switzerland.