Abia State Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, has assured members of the Tiv community living in the state of equal opportunities and inclusion, promising to present their requests for agricultural land and a designated market to Governor Alex Otti for consideration.

Emetu gave the assurance while receiving the leadership of the Tiv Socio-Cultural Association, Abia State, during a courtesy and solidarity visit. The delegation commended the state government for its efforts in infrastructure development, electricity supply, digital development and public service delivery.

Welcoming the visitors, the Deputy Governor said the government was committed to treating residents fairly, regardless of their ethnic backgrounds, provided they contributed positively to the development of the state.

“I don’t want you to count yourself as an outsider because, as long as you live in Abia State, pay your taxes and do your business here, you are already an Abian. We don’t care where you are from. We will treat you like every other Abian,” Emetu said.

He cited the appointment of a non-indigene as Head of Service and the recruitment of qualified applicants into the state civil service as examples of the administration’s stated commitment to merit and equal opportunity.

Emetu also congratulated Mr. Daniel Lorfa and his wife on securing teaching appointments, urging them to demonstrate professionalism, dedication and commitment in their new roles.

Addressing the community’s requests, the Deputy Governor said he would discuss with Governor Otti the possibility of making suitable farmland available for agricultural production and identifying an appropriate location where Tiv farmers and traders could sell their produce.

“Agriculture, I put it before politics,” Emetu declared, stressing the importance of agricultural investment in reducing poverty, improving food security and lowering food prices by reducing transportation costs.

He asked the association to formally document its land requirements and submit them for consideration. He also promised to engage relevant government officials to explore possible arrangements for the proposed market.

On civic participation, Emetu urged eligible residents to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and ensure their registration details were accurate, particularly those who had transferred their voter registration to Abia State.

He encouraged residents to participate actively in the democratic process and safeguard their votes during elections.

Earlier, the President General of the Tiv Socio-Cultural Association in Abia State, Mr. Jonahson T. Chie, appealed to the state government to assist the community in securing farmland and a designated market for its agricultural produce.

Chie disclosed that the association had approximately 5,000 members across the state, some of whom were already engaged in farming in areas such as Ukwa West and Ohafia.

He explained that access to additional farmland would enable members to expand the cultivation of yams, cassava, maize and other food crops, while a designated market would provide an organised outlet for selling their produce.

The association’s president general said members could arrange regular supplies of substantial quantities of farm produce, including several truckloads of yams, to markets across Abia.

According to him, the initiative could improve food availability, stimulate commercial activities and create economic opportunities for farmers, traders and consumers.

The Chairman of the association’s Aba branch, Mr. John Mbache, commended improvements in road infrastructure, particularly in Aba. He also expressed the association’s support for Governor Otti ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

Similarly, the Umuahia branch chairman, Mr. Daniel Lorfa, thanked the Deputy Governor for receiving the delegation and praised the state government’s recruitment process.

Lorfa cited the teaching appointments secured by him and his wife without paying anyone, describing the process as merit-based and an opportunity for qualified applicants to secure public employment fairly.

The visit ended with members of the association presenting Emetu with Tiv traditional attire, symbolising friendship, solidarity and peaceful coexistence among the different ethnic communities in Abia State.