Governor Alex Otti has announced plans to partner with Israeli investors to boost agriculture in Abia State. Find out what the deal includes and why it could change everything.
In what appears to be a major leap toward economic transformation, Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has signaled his administration’s readiness to partner with Israeli agricultural investors in a groundbreaking collaboration that could redefine the state’s food production and agribusiness sector.
The Governor made this known on Monday, April 29, 2025, during a strategic meeting with the Managing Director of ONIDA Development, Mr. Kidron Israel, an Israeli-based agricultural expert, and his delegation who visited him at the Government House, Umuahia.
Governor Otti, visibly impressed by the presentation made by the Israeli firm, expressed his eagerness to see the immediate takeoff of the proposed agricultural investment, stressing that the government is willing to offer land as its equity contribution to accelerate the partnership.
“Watching the presentation and listening to you, I could see that we are going to work together,” Governor Otti stated.
“So, I am in a hurry to see that you begin to implement this initiative to boost productivity in the State. The land belongs to the government, and we are willing to provide land. Because we are involved, even if you have to pay anything, it will be insignificant. The land can be our equity to the investment.”
The Governor tasked the Israeli team to immediately meet with members of the state’s agricultural and economic team to work out actionable steps to fast-track the commencement of the project. He recommended that the investment should kick off with fish and vegetable production, while other areas such as poultry and mechanized farming could follow.
Describing Abians as naturally enterprising people who thrive when provided with the right environment, Governor Otti reiterated his administration’s commitment to creating the necessary conditions for businesses to succeed.
Abia people don’t depend on government handouts. All they need is an enabling environment. That is what we are doing—making the state investor-friendly. We welcome everyone who has value to offer.”
Earlier, the MD of ONIDA Development, Mr. Kidron Israel, expressed optimism about the partnership, stating that what the Israeli team required from the state was land and enabling policies to commence operations. He assured the Governor that his organization has the right international financing contacts to execute the project efficiently.
“We chose Abia because of your visionary leadership. Your proactive approach and the positive transformation your administration is delivering made Abia an ideal partner,” Mr. Kidron noted.
Also speaking, Mrs. Florence Osuji, National Coordinator of the Nigeria-Israel Forum, emphasized that their visit was to introduce Israeli agricultural technology and innovation to support Nigeria’s food security. She highlighted key areas of interest, including fish production, vegetable farming, and poultry.
Present at the meeting were key members of the Abia State Executive, including the Hon. Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze; Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Uwaoma Ukandu; and the Principal Secretary and Chief Strategy Officer to the State Government, Mr. Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu.
With this move, Governor Otti has once again positioned Abia State as a leading destination for foreign direct investment and a hub for agricultural transformation in Nigeria.
