I appointed aides on garden egg, yam, pepper to boost food production, says Enugu LG chair

Eric Odo, chairman of Igbo Etiti LGA of Enugu state, has justified the appointment of aides on yam, pepper, and garden egg.

On Tuesday, Odo announced the appointment of Ezeugwu Ogbonna as senior special assistant on agriculture (yam and pepper) and Nwodo Ugonna as special adviser on garden egg and pepper.

The appointments stirred criticism from many Nigerians, who saw the positions as an anomaly.

Defending his action on Wednesday, Odo said the appointments are meant to boost production of the crops in large quantities to satisfy local demands and for export.

The chairman said the Igbo-Etiti council area is good at growing the crops and has a great comparative advantage.

“Their appointments are to ensure that local farmers receive adequate attention, needed resources, support, and expertise to enhance production, improve market access, and increase income for farmers,” NAN quoted Odo to have said.

“In essence, the appointment, which is wrongly misunderstood by disgruntled individuals, bad losers, and opposition, reinforces my determination to create a thriving local economy based on the strengths and potentials of Igbo-Etiti’s agricultural landscape.”

Odo said the decision was a well-thought-out plan aimed at enhancing productivity, job creation, and uplifting farmers in the communities of the LGA.

He urged the public to disregard any online or offline comment aimed at discrediting the appointments, adding that the council is on the path of massive food production and sustainable development.