Abia State Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, has assured members of the Tiv community residing in the state of equal opportunities and inclusion, promising to present their requests for agricultural land and a designated market to Governor Alex Otti for consideration.

Emetu gave the assurance when he received the leadership of the Tiv Socio-Cultural Association, Abia State, on a courtesy and solidarity visit. The delegation commended the state government for its efforts in infrastructure development, electricity supply, digital development and public service delivery.

Welcoming the visitors, the Deputy Governor said the state government remained committed to treating residents fairly, regardless of their ethnic backgrounds, provided they contributed positively to the development of Abia.

“I don’t want you to count yourself as an outsider because, as long as you live in Abia State, pay your taxes and do your business here, you are already an Abian. We don’t care where you are from. We will treat you like every other Abian,” Emetu said.

He cited the appointment of a non-indigene as Head of Service and the recruitment of qualified candidates into the state civil service as examples of the administration’s commitment to merit and equal opportunity.

The Deputy Governor also congratulated Mr. Daniel Lorfa and his wife on their appointments as teachers, urging them to demonstrate dedication and professionalism in their new roles.

On the community’s request for farmland and a designated market, Emetu said he would discuss the proposals with Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, to explore suitable arrangements for agricultural production and the marketing of farm produce.

Emphasising the importance of agriculture to economic development, he declared, “Agriculture, I put it before politics.”

He explained that increased agricultural investment could help reduce poverty, improve food security and lower the cost of essential food items by cutting transportation expenses.

Emetu asked the association to formally document its land requirements and submit them for consideration. He also pledged to engage relevant government officials to explore possible locations and arrangements for the proposed market.

The Deputy Governor further encouraged eligible residents to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and ensure their voter registration details were correct, particularly those who had transferred their registration to Abia State.

He urged residents to participate actively in the democratic process and protect their votes during elections.

Earlier, the President General of the Tiv Socio-Cultural Association in Abia State, Mr. Jonahson T. Chie, appealed to the state government to assist members in securing suitable farmland and an organised market for their agricultural produce.

Chie disclosed that the association had approximately 5,000 members across the state, some of whom were already engaged in farming in communities such as Ukwa West and Ohafia.

He explained that access to additional farmland would enable members to expand the cultivation of yams, cassava, maize and other food crops, while a designated market would provide a more organised channel for selling their produce.

According to him, the association could arrange regular deliveries of substantial quantities of agricultural products, including several truckloads of yams, to markets across Abia State.

He noted that the proposed arrangement could improve food availability, stimulate commercial activities and create economic opportunities for farmers, traders and consumers.

The Chairman of the association’s Aba branch, Mr. John Mbache, commended improvements in road infrastructure, particularly in Aba, and expressed the association’s support for Governor Otti’s re-election bid in the 2027 general elections.

Similarly, the Umuahia branch chairman, Mr. Daniel Lorfa, thanked the Deputy Governor for receiving the delegation and praised the state government’s recruitment process.

Lorfa cited the teaching appointments secured by him and his wife without paying anyone, describing the process as merit-based and an example of fair access to employment for qualified applicants.

The visit concluded with members of the association decorating Emetu in Tiv traditional attire, symbolising friendship, solidarity and peaceful coexistence among the different ethnic communities in Abia State.