By Genesis Ogiri
The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) candidate for Ahoada East/Abua-Odual Federal Constituency in the 2027 general election, Amb. Dr. Ekwutoziam Ashiedu Ogwus Chinedu, has unveiled an agricultural development blueprint anchored on a proposed 100-hectare initiative aimed at stimulating economic growth and creating employment opportunities across the constituency.
The initiative, known as Project A.R.E. (Agriculture, Real Estate and Export), is designed to harness the agricultural potential of Ahoada East and Abua-Odual through modern farming practices, agro-processing, investment partnerships and access to domestic and international markets.
The candidate disclosed that consultations, stakeholder engagements, awareness campaigns and partnership discussions commenced in 2025 as part of efforts to develop a sustainable framework for the proposed project.
As part of the engagement, Ekwutoziam, accompanied by an international delegation comprising the Ambassador of Kazakhstan, the Global President of Global Clusters and other representatives, visited Ahoada East Local Government Area to present the proposal and seek 100 hectares of land for its implementation.
The local government reportedly indicated its readiness to make available more than 100 hectares, while the Rivers State Ministry of Agriculture expressed support, subject to the availability of suitable land in Ahoada. She also held discussions with the Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Youth Development, on possible collaboration in youth empowerment, skills development and related socio-economic interventions.
Ekwutoziam described agriculture as a catalyst for job creation, poverty reduction and economic growth, stressing the need for modern technology, investment and improved market access. She said the constituency’s agricultural potential could be maximised through strategic support and effective partnerships.
She maintained that the A.R.E. project would commence as a constituency development initiative if elected into the House of Representatives in 2027, with a focus on employment generation, food security, agribusiness development and youth empowerment.
The proposed initiative is expected to support farmers through training, modern agricultural techniques, cooperative development and improved market access, while creating opportunities for agro-processing, entrepreneurship and export-oriented production. It is also intended to encourage investment and expand economic activities within rural communities.
Staff members of Ahoada East Local Government Area who attended the engagement reportedly welcomed the proposal, describing it as consistent with the council chairman’s aspiration to promote agricultural development and economic empowerment. Ekwutoziam reiterated her commitment to advancing a constituency development agenda focused on agriculture, education, youth development, economic empowerment and infrastructure.