Sir Chiagozie Paddy Obinna (KSJI, JP) stands as one of Imo State’s most forward-thinking development visionaries — pragmatic, innovative, and deeply people-centered. His Achara-Ubo Farm Project proposal transcends the bounds of conventional agriculture; it is a comprehensive blueprint for rural transformation, youth empowerment, and sustainable economic growth.
Far beyond a farm, the initiative represents a strategic model for food security and inclusive prosperity, blending technology, education, and community participation into a single dynamic framework. With its emphasis on precision farming, renewable energy, and institutional collaboration, the project reflects the very principles of modern governance — accountability, sustainability, and shared growth.
As Imo State seeks viable pathways to diversify its economy and secure its food future, engaging this vision and its architect becomes not just timely, but essential. Sir Chiagozie’s proposal offers more than promise; it offers a practical and progressive roadmap for agricultural renewal that could redefine the state’s economic destiny.
All eyes now turn to the Imo State Government — to recognize, refine, and rally behind this vision that has the power to reshape the state’s agricultural landscape and uplift its people for generations to come.
In an engaging and no-holds-barred conversation with Africa Today News, New York, Sir Chiagozie Paddy Obinna (KSJI, JP), shared deep insights into his visionary proposal — the Achara-Ubo Farm Project, developed in partnership with Imo State University, Owerri.
The discussion explored his bold ideas for transforming agriculture in Imo State through innovation, youth empowerment, and sustainable food production.
Below are excerpts from the exclusive interview.
Sir Chiagozie, your recent proposal for the Achara-Ubo Farm Project has drawn considerable attention for its scale and ambition. What inspired you to develop this idea?
The motivation comes from a deep love for Imo State and an unshakable belief that agriculture remains the bedrock of sustainable development. Our state is blessed with fertile land, intelligent people, and an industrious youth population, yet our agricultural potential remains largely untapped.
My vision through the Achara-Ubo Farm Project is to create a modern, sustainable, and inclusive agricultural estate that empowers people, protects the environment, and generates profit — the three key pillars we call People, Planet, and Profit. This is not just a farming initiative; it’s a blueprint for job creation, food security, and rural transformation.
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Could you share more about the structure of this proposed project?
Certainly. The proposal envisions a 35-hectare farm estate at Azara-Ubo, Emekuku, in Owerri North LGA — developed by Eastern Development Company Limited in partnership with Imo State University, Owerri.
It will include:
- Six poultry houses with 18 pens capable of housing 50,000 birds;
- Three goat houses for up to 300 goats;
- Three pig houses for about 1,200 pigs;
- Solar-powered boreholes and streetlights; and
- Full infrastructure — access roads, drainage systems, and digital monitoring facilities.
What makes it unique is that the project integrates education, production, and empowerment. Students and young farmers can learn modern farming techniques while generating real economic value.
How do you see this project benefiting Imo State and its people if it’s implemented?
The benefits are profound. The project will create over 600 direct jobs and 200 indirect opportunities in processing, packaging, logistics, and export. It will also train and mentor young farmers, particularly women and unemployed graduates, equipping them with 21st-century agricultural skills.
More importantly, it will position Imo as a center for agri-technology and innovation. We intend to adopt precision farming systems — using GPS, remote sensing, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to improve yield, reduce waste, and optimize input use. This means better productivity, lower environmental impact, and a model that can be replicated across the state.
For me, the Achara-Ubo Farm Project is a bridge between academic knowledge and real-world farming. With the support of the state government and our people, it could redefine Imo’s economic future.
Many Imolites are concerned about sustainability and long-term impact. How does your proposal address this?
That’s an important question. Sustainability is at the heart of this plan. The project runs on solar energy, employs water recycling and organic waste systems, and uses technology to monitor livestock and crop conditions in real time.
Equally vital is the human sustainability component — fair remuneration, continuous training, and strong community engagement. We propose routine employee training, corporate social responsibility programs, and a digital management hub to keep the farm connected to global research centers such as NALDA and IITA (International Institute of Tropical Agriculture).
This ensures that the project is not a one-off initiative but a living system that grows, adapts, and continues to benefit Imo people for generations.
What partnerships are you hoping to build to make this project a reality?
We are open to partnerships with the Imo State Government, Imo State University, and other stakeholders — including local communities, investors, and international agricultural bodies.
The beauty of the Achara-Ubo proposal is that it is scalable and collaborative. It can easily attract federal agencies like NALDA and international partners committed to sustainable agriculture. We’re not asking for handouts; we’re presenting a plan that delivers measurable impact — in jobs, food production, and knowledge transfer.
With the right support, this project can stand as a model for other states in Nigeria.
What message would you like to share with Imo indigenes and policymakers regarding this proposal?
To our people, I say this project belongs to all of us. Agriculture is not just a means of survival — it’s a pathway to dignity, independence, and prosperity. I’m calling on every Imolite — from community leaders to the youth — to see agriculture not as the past, but as the future.
To our leaders and policymakers, I humbly say: the Achara-Ubo Farm Project is ready. The design is complete, the partnerships are identified, and the implementation framework is in place. All we need is an invitation to present the plan formally and demonstrate how it aligns perfectly with the state’s food security and youth empowerment goals.
This is an opportunity to make Imo the agricultural heartbeat of the Southeast, creating wealth, jobs, and hope — all grounded in local potential.
And finally, what legacy do you hope this project will represent if implemented?
My hope is that when the Achara-Ubo Farm Project comes to life, it will stand as a symbol of partnership and progress — where the government, academia, private sector, and community work hand in hand.
If we can achieve that, then we’ll have proven that with vision, integrity, and collaboration, Imo can lead Nigeria in agricultural innovation. That would be a legacy worth leaving — not just for me, but for every Imolite who believes in a self-reliant and prosperous future.
Sir Chiagozie, thank you sincerely for granting us this insightful media chat. Your vision for sustainable agricultural transformation in Imo State is truly inspiring, and we appreciate the clarity and passion with which you shared your ideas.
We at Africa Today News, New York wish you continued success as you work to turn this visionary proposal into reality — one that holds great promise for Imo State and, indeed, for Nigeria’s agricultural future.
Thank you very much. It has been my pleasure speaking with Africa Today News, New York. I truly appreciate the opportunity to share this vision for agricultural renewal and community empowerment in Imo State.
For me, this initiative is not just about farming — it is about redefining value creation through the land and restoring pride to our people. I believe that when innovation meets integrity and collaboration, Imo can become a model of sustainable progress for the entire nation.
I thank your team for the thoughtful conversation and for your commitment to promoting ideas that build Africa’s future. Together, with sincerity of purpose, we can make this vision a reality.