In an inspiring commitment to the growth and prosperity of Ikwuano Local Government Area, Ambassador Chief Nzeribe Okegbue, PhD, has unveiled a remarkable initiative aimed at supporting grassroots farmers in his home community, Ikwuano.  Through the Nzeribe Okegbue Foundation (NOF), he is providing a ₦2,000,000 empowerment fund for small-scale farmers, equipping them with resources for the upcoming farming season. This initiative is part of  Chief Okegbue’s vision of enhancing livelihood in Ikwuano  by supporting agriculture - the very heart of Ikwuano’s economy and food security.


As the “food basket” of Abia State, Ikwuano LGA plays a vital role in feeding local and neighbouring communities, with agriculture serving as the primary livelihood for its people.   As Thomas Jefferson puts it, "Agriculture is the most healthful, most useful, and most noble employment of man." Ambassador  Okegbue recognises the power of this sector and the potential within small-scale farmers to boost productivity, food security, and sustainable economic growth across Ikwuano.


A Lifeline for Ikwuano’s Grassroots Farmers

The ₦2m empowerment grant will be allocated evenly across Ikwuano’s four clans: Ariam Usaka, Oboro, Oloko, and Ibere. Each clan will receive equal support, with financial resources earmarked to empower five small-scale farmers per clan. This targeted approach ensures that the grant reaches grassroots farmers who form the backbone of food production in Ikwuano. The disbursement is carefully timed to coincide with the critical February/March planting season, providing these farmers with essential resources for the 2025 first-quarter farming activities.



Amb. Okegbue’s partnership with the Ikwuano Elite Forum—a network of Ikwuano citizens spread across the world through its administrators —ensures transparent and fair selection of grant beneficiaries. Together, the Nzeribe Okegbue Foundation and Ikwuano Elite Forum will oversee the process, identifying local farmers who show potential, resilience, and dedication to farming . This collaborative approach strengthens ties within the community and enables Chief Okegbue to further his longstanding commitment to the prosperity of Ikwuano.


The Economic and Social Impact of Supporting Farming

Farming has long been the lifeline of Ikwuano. Farming sustains families, drives the local economy, and creates employment opportunities that uplift entire communities. Small-scale farming in Ikwuano is known not only for its contribution to food security but also for its role in reducing poverty levels, providing an income source for families, and sustaining local markets. The fertile lands in Ikwuano support the cultivation of various staple crops, including cassava, which is crucial to Ikwuano's food supply and local economy.


With the agricultural sector’s pivotal role, this empowerment initiative by Amb. Okegbue comes at an opportune time. By supporting small-scale farmers, Amb.  Okegbue is helping to unlock the potential of these community members to improve their yields and enhance their livelihoods. The financial support will enable farmers to access quality seedlings and inputs, ultimately improving the quantity and quality of their harvests. This initiative is expected to yield immediate benefits, boosting food availability,  and creating a ripple effect of growth throughout Ikwuano Local Government.


A Vision for Sustainable Farming and Community Resilience

Beyond the immediate economic gains, this initiative also represents a commitment to sustainable farming and community resilience. Small-scale farmers in Ikwuano typically rely on traditional methods, yet with the introduction of improved seedlings and modern techniques, they can increase productivity while preserving the land for future generations. The funds provided by Amb.  Okegbue may also  help farmers diversify their crops—fostering stability against food shortages that may arise from climate challenges or economic fluctuations.


Amb. Okegbue’s support further strengthens the social fabric within the farming communities. By empowering farmers through localised resources and funding, this initiative promotes cooperation and mutual support. Many farmers in Ikwuano work in close-knit cooperatives, sharing tools, knowledge, and experiences. This shared purpose unites the community, fostering social cohesion and collaboration. Through this grant, Amb.  Okegbue not only provides financial assistance but also inspires a renewed spirit of solidarity among the people.


Amb. Okegbue’s Enduring Commitment to Ikwuano's Development

Amb. Okegbue’s latest initiative reflects his unyielding dedication to Ikwuano’s development. His philanthropic vision has been instrumental in several empowerment projects that aim to create lasting change across Ikwuano. By directing resources to small-scale farmers, Amb. Okegbue underscores his understanding of Ikwuano’s needs and his commitment to addressing them in sustainable ways. This programme is an extension of his broader vision, which involves empowering local communities to achieve self-reliance and prosperity.


His partnership with Ikwuano Elite Forum exemplifies how local leadership and community collaboration can work together to foster significant development. Together, they are creating a system where resources are managed effectively, and farmers are equipped to realise their potential fully. Amb.  Okegbue’s initiative shows that with the right support, small-scale farmers can have a profound impact on Ikwuano’s economy and future.


A Call to Action: A Community’s Path to Progress

As this programme prepares to launch, the Nzeribe Okegbue Foundation calls upon Ikwuano people to come together in support of this transformative initiative, urging local leaders, community members, and stakeholders to recognise the importance of empowering grassroots farmers, acknowledging that the prosperity of one part of Ikwuano benefits all. This initiative is not just an investment in farming  but an investment in the resilience, unity, and progress of Ikwuano as a whole.


Through  Amb. Okegbue’s foresight and generosity, Ikwuano is poised to embrace a future of self-sufficiency, resilience, and economic strength. With this initiative, he demonstrates that true leadership involves understanding community needs and acting decisively to meet them. His #2,000,000 support for grassroots farmers is a powerful step towards a thriving, self-sustaining Ikwuano—one where every seed planted and every crop harvested brings the community closer to shared prosperity.


In the words of Amb. Okegbue, “Farming is not merely a livelihood; it is the very essence of life and sustenance. By supporting our local farmers, we nurture our future, protect our communities, and build a legacy of growth for generations to come.”