A delegation from the Food Systems Transformation Pathways under the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Abuja, visited the Enugu State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning. The purpose of the visit was to assess the progress Enugu State has made in implementing the Food Systems Transformation Pathways, in preparation for the National Stocktaking Exercise scheduled to be held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in July 2025.
The delegation from Abuja comprised the following officials:
Mrs. Nneka Amaeze, Principal Planning Officer (PPO)
Mrs. Chidinma C. Emelogu, Assistant Director (AD)
Mr. Lucius Ndimele
These delegates were warmly received by the Honorable Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Chief Barr. Chris-Roberts Ozongwu, and the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Clara Nwakaego Eze. An initial meeting was held at the Ministry headquarters where the delegates were briefed on the State’s ongoing initiatives, after which they were taken on a field tour to key agricultural and educational development sites.
At the Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-Industrialization, the Honorable Commissioner Mr. Patrick Nwabueze Ubru and the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Victor Ngwu, provided a detailed briefing on the Manamuz Green Farm Project. The project is a cornerstone of Enugu State’s agricultural transformation strategy. It includes the establishment of 20 anchor clusters in each of the 17 Local Government Areas, with the potential for further expansion. Additionally, the flagship Owo project is designed to host 100 anchor clusters, making it a major hub for smart agricultural practices and innovation.
These efforts are in collaboration with the Federal Government, particularly through the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning. Pilot sites have already been developed in Owo (Nkanu East), Umulopa, and Okpanku (Enugu West Senatorial Zone). The initiative also includes the distribution of farm inputs and mechanized equipment to farmers, aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods.
The delegation was taken to Aguobu Iwollo in Ezeagu Local Government Area, where they toured a Manamuz Green Farm focused on the cultivation of bell peppers. They also inspected a Cold Box Storage Facility in the area, used to preserve perishable produce, enabling local farmers to retain the freshness of their goods and reduce post-harvest losses.
Next, the delegates visited the Smart Green Farm in Owo, which integrates various agricultural activities including poultry, vegetables, bananas, and bell peppers. They also inspected a rice mill currently under construction in the same community, which is expected to serve as a processing hub once completed. A visit was also made to a central warehouse facility where an array of mechanized farming equipment is stored, awaiting distribution to support enhanced agricultural practices across the State.
In addition to agricultural initiatives, the delegation was briefed on the State’s efforts to integrate food security into the education sector. Mrs. Maria Nnenna Ozongwu from the Ministry of Education emphasized Governor Peter Mbah’s directive that every child in public schools is entitled to one meal per day, as part of the School Feeding Programme. She also highlighted the ongoing construction of 260 Smart Schools across the State, aimed at improving educational outcomes while supporting child nutrition and well-being.
In conclusion, the delegates expressed satisfaction with the progress made by Enugu State in implementing the Food Systems Transformation Pathways. They commended the State’s integrated approach to agricultural and educational development and noted that the insights gathered would be valuable for Nigeria’s national presentation at the stocktaking event in Addis Ababa.