The Senator representing Ebonyi North, Onyekachi Nwebonyi, has pledged his support for the cultivation of rubber and cocoa through legislative backing, describing agriculture as critical to Nigeria’s economic recovery.
Senator Nwebonyi made the promise while receiving members of the Young Women Ebonyi Farmers (YWEF) at his residence in Mbeke, Ishieke, Ebonyi State.
He said Nigeria’s discovery of crude oil led to a decline in agriculture, which once sustained the nation’s economy, stressing the need to return to the development of economic crops.
The lawmaker noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was prioritising policies aimed at reviving agriculture, particularly the cultivation of economic trees such as cocoa, rubber, and oil palm, to drive sustainable growth.
“Your mission is a very good one. It aligns with the mandate of the federal government,” Nwebonyi told the delegation.
“Development of economic trees was one of the reasons I travelled to Dubai, because Mr President is interested in reviving cocoa, rubber, palm trees and others that sustained our economy before oil,” he added.
He urged YWEF to intensify sensitisation across Ebonyi State on the benefits of investing in rubber and cocoa farming, assuring them of his continued support.
“In my next empowerment programme, I will bring you to the forefront,” he said. “I will provide land, and you will guide us on procuring seedlings, establishing nurseries, and developing the farms.”
The leader of Young Women Ebonyi Farmers, Mrs. Justina Nwofe, expressed appreciation for the senator’s commitment, saying the initiative would boost women’s participation in agriculture and promote economic empowerment in the state.
