By Okechukwu Onuegbu
Anambra State governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, on Saturday, challenged farmers, government appointees and businessmen to engage him in yam production competition.
Soludo, who disclosed this at 2024 State New Yam Festival held in Awka, the State capital, described himself as a subsistence farmer, adding that he would double efforts in order to produce bigger yams worth enabling him to emerge as the best yam producer in 2025.
The governor had at the 2024 New yam festival doled out ₦1m each to top 4 yam producers while the best or number one yam producer received ₦3m and a tricycle donated by a philanthropist.
He further mandated all the political appointees, business men and others to engage in farming especially yam production so as to compete favourably with him in the next year yam contest slated for November 2025 as he was ready to defeat them.
According to him, this was part of his administration policy codenamed farm to feed aimed at encouraging farming for improved yields, availability of agricultural produce and reduction of price of goods and services.
Also speaking, the Anambra State Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Comrade Don Onyenji, described the new yam festival as a symbolic traditional event which according to him, brings the Igbo people together to commune with each other while showcasing their cultural heritage.
Onyenji, who commended communities for turning out to the event with masquerades and other cultural displays, noted that the next year's new yam festival would feature more displays.
Speaking in an interview, a community leader, Chief Cosmas Agagbo urged Anambra teaming population to take up the challenge to engage in more farming activities despite whatever professions they engage in.