Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has commenced his annual leave, according to the reports. In line with Section 190(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the Ebonyi State House of Assembly has formally transmitted executive powers to Her Excellency, Princess Patricia Obila, who has been serving as Acting Governor during his absence.
Since assuming acting responsibilities, Princess Obila has focused on initiatives to strengthen agriculture and food security in the state and the wider West African region. She recently addressed the opening ceremony of the National and Regional Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum on Irrigation in Abuja, an event organized by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
At the forum, Obila emphasized the role of irrigation in boosting crop yields and ensuring food security across Nigeria, West Africa, and the Sahel subregions. “This forum is a vital platform to chart a course for enhanced agricultural productivity in our country and the wider region,” she said, highlighting the potential of modern irrigation systems to transform farming practices.
The Acting Governor commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative in Agriculture, which she said aims to leverage Nigeria’s extensive agricultural resources to foster economic growth and sustainability.
Obila also reiterated the commitment of Governor Nwifuru’s administration, under the People’s Charter of Needs Agenda, to promoting agricultural development. She outlined the state’s ongoing programs to enhance irrigation infrastructure, support farmers with technical and financial resources, and create employment opportunities through agricultural expansion.
“These initiatives are designed not only to increase productivity but also to ensure economic diversification and sustainable livelihoods for our citizens,” Obila said.
The forum brought together policymakers, agricultural experts, and stakeholders from across the region to discuss strategies for investment in irrigation and sustainable farming practices. Participants explored ways to scale up irrigation infrastructure, improve water management, and adopt modern agricultural technologies to address the challenges of climate change and food insecurity.
Princess Obila’s engagement at the forum underscores Ebonyi State’s growing focus on agriculture as a key driver of economic development. By prioritizing irrigation and supporting farmers, the state government aims to strengthen food production, reduce dependency on imports, and enhance the livelihoods of rural communities.
With Governor Nwifuru on leave, Princess Obila’s tenure as Acting Governor highlights continuity in governance and sustained attention to strategic sectors such as agriculture, which remain central to the state’s development agenda.