By Joy Nlebedum and Sunday Anyim
Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), has reinforced its commitment to agricultural development by empowering 12 farmers with grants of ₦300,000 each under its 2026 Farmers’ Summit and Empowerment Programme.
The initiative, organised by the MOUAU Extension Centre (MEC), focused on the theme, “Placing Value Addition to Agricultural Produce,” highlighting the importance of transforming agricultural products into higher-value commodities for increased income and sustainable livelihoods.
Speaking during the event, the Vice-Chancellor of MOUAU, Prof. Ursula Ngozi Akanwa, said the university remains dedicated to ensuring that its research, technologies and agricultural innovations directly benefit farmers and host communities through effective extension services.
According to her, modern agriculture has evolved beyond traditional farming methods, making it essential for farmers to adopt innovative technologies, smart farming practices and value-addition techniques to improve productivity, profitability and food security.
Prof. Akanwa disclosed that the university plans to retrain staff of the Extension Centre alongside programme beneficiaries to equip them with updated agricultural knowledge and practical skills needed to boost production and enhance competitiveness in the sector.
She also explained that beneficiaries of the empowerment scheme would be monitored regularly to evaluate their progress, identify challenges and provide continuous technical support to ensure the programme delivers long-term benefits.
The Vice-Chancellor further encouraged young Nigerians to view agriculture as a viable business opportunity capable of creating wealth and employment rather than limiting it to subsistence farming.
Earlier, the Director of the MOUAU Extension Centre, Prof. Uchechi Apu, stated that the Centre is committed to empowering farmers through practical training, improved farming technologies and interventions designed to increase productivity, reduce rural poverty and improve livelihoods.
He revealed that the university expanded this year’s empowerment programme after the success of the 2025 edition, during which six farmers received ₦250,000 each. This year, 12 beneficiaries were selected after participating in the 2026 Farmers’ Summit and other capacity-building programmes.
Prof. Apu also noted that improved planting materials and other essential farm inputs had already been distributed to farmers earlier in the farming season to support increased agricultural output.
He commended the Vice-Chancellor for her unwavering support and reaffirmed the Extension Centre’s commitment to promoting sustainable agriculture through impactful extension services.
The major highlight of the programme was the presentation of ₦300,000 grants to each of the 12 beneficiaries drawn from the Umuahia, Aba and Ohafia Agricultural Zones. The funds will support enterprises in cassava production, poultry farming, vegetable cultivation, fish farming, agribusiness, oil processing and food processing.
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The empowerment programme reflects MOUAU’s continued investment in value addition, modern farming techniques and sustainable agricultural development, while strengthening the economic resilience of farmers across its host communities.
