Ambassador Chief Nzeribe Okegbue, PhD, founder and President of Nzeribe Okegbue Foundation, in his continued bid to fast-track socio-economic advancement of his community has announced that ₦2,500,000 will be distributed among 25 deserving grassroots farmers across the four  clans of Ikwuano LGA on Abia State as a his contribution to the the Federal Government goals of food security and fostering agricultural growth and rural development


The Foundation says the agricultural empowerment initiative is aimed at inspiring commitment to the growth and prosperity of small-scale  farmers in the LG and  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 LG 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." Amb.  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.


The ₦2.5m 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 socio-economic and prosperity of Ikwuano.


 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 the L


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.