Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, partners with the Agriculture and Rural Management Training Institute (ARMTI) to transform subsistence farming into agribusiness, boost youth employment, and increase Abia’s GDP contribution through modern, climate-smart agriculture.
“Abia State partners with ARMTI to promote agribusiness and youth empowerment under Governor Alex Otti.”
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with the Agriculture and Rural Management Training Institute (ARMTI) to upgrade subsistence farming into sustainable agribusiness.
The initiative aims to reposition Abia as a major agricultural hub in Nigeria and empower thousands of farmers—especially youths—with modern farming skills, agribusiness management, and climate-smart techniques.
Governor Otti made this known during a courtesy visit by ARMTI’s Executive Director, Dr. Olufeme Oladunni, and his team at the Government House, Umuahia, on October 21, 2025.
“Agriculture Is Business, Not Just Survival — Governor Otti
Governor Otti emphasized that agriculture remains the backbone of Abia’s economy contributing over 23% of the state’s GDP. He noted that while 70% of Abians engage in agricultural activities, most still operate at a subsistence level.
> “Abia is a place where 70% of our people are involved in agriculture. We are determined to move from small-scale farming to commercial agribusiness because we see agriculture as business,”
Dr. Alex Otti, Governor of Abia State.
He explained that with proper training, innovation, and private-sector partnerships, agriculture could boost GDP, reduce unemployment, and generate revenue for the state.
Youth Empowerment Through Agricultural Skills
Governor Otti revealed that his government previously sponsored over 300 young Abians for intensive agricultural training at CSS Farms in Nasarawa State, with 298 of them now active farmers.
He assured that the partnership with ARMTI will expand this success, opening new doors for young entrepreneurs in agribusiness, agri-tech, and food processing.
ARMTI Establishes South-East Regional Office in Abia
In recognition of the state’s potential, ARMTI has chosen Abia as the headquarters of its South-East regional office—a move Governor Otti described as “a smart and strategic decision.”
“You couldn’t have made a better choice. Abia has the right environment and people to support your vision,” the Governor said, directing the DG of the Greater Ohafia Development Authority (GODA) to ensure ARMTI’s smooth setup and operations.
ARMTI Commits to Growing Abia’s Agricultural Future
ARMTI’s Executive Director, Dr. Olufeme Oladunni, commended Governor Otti for his visionary leadership and affirmed the institute’s readiness to collaborate on initiatives such as the Village Alive Development Initiative (VADI) and other rural empowerment projects.
> “We are impressed by Governor Otti’s reforms. ARMTI is ready to work with Abia to train youths and women in profitable, modern farming,” Dr. Oladunni said.
Dignitaries Present ,Among those present were:
Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, Deputy Governor of Abia State
Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture
Director-General of GODA, and other top officials.
Abia’s partnership with ARMTI signals a new era for the state’s agricultural sector — one that focuses on innovation, agribusiness investment, and youth-driven food security.
With the support of ARMTI, the Otti-led administration is setting the stage for a thriving agricultural economy that could soon make Abia the agribusiness capital of the South-East.