By Modupe Olowookere
As part of his efforts to make the Abia State an agro-based economy in the nearest future, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, has kicked off the oil palm revolutionary agriculture programme to develop two million nursery at Ayaba Umueze in Osisioma Ngwa local government area of the state.
This, Business Post learnt, is part of the 10 million oil palms Mr Ikpeazu plans to plant before the end of 2019.
Performing the flag off ceremony of the Tenera species of the palm nuts on behalf of the Governor, Commissioner for Agriculture in the state, Mr Uzor Azubike, said the state government thought it wise to diversify its economy.
He described the project as epochal and commendable, noting that it was the first time since the era of Michael Okpara, who developed several farm estates in the eastern region, that this would take place.
Mr Azubike maintained that this is the time for Abians to secure their future from imminent famine, assuring citizens of the state that the programme will generate employment for the teeming youths, especially the host communities.
He also said the days of Abia palm was gradually setting in.
During the ceremony, enthusiastic members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) were among those present to contribute their quota to the reviving of the agricultural sector in Abia State.
Mr Azubike, during the flag off, explained that the Tenera specie was a crossbreed of the pacifera and dura which is best for both oil production and extraction of the nuts, assuring that the palms, when planted after 11 months of nursery, will start fruiting within a space of 2-3 years if properly managed.
Adedapo Adesanya 
Modupe Gbadeyanka