By Leonard Okachie

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has distributed galvanised battery cages, point-of -lay birds and feeds to 100 small holder poultry farmers in Abia.

The items were distributed to the farmers in Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, during a brief ceremony in Umuahia on Friday.

Each of the farmers was given a galvanised battery cage, 35 birds and four bags of  feed.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project was initiated and attracted by Rep. Sam Onuigbo, to his constituency.

In his remarks, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Alh. Muhammed Nanono said that the poultry industry was overwhelmed by the demands in the market.

Nanono, who was represented by the ministry’s Regional Director, Mr Felix Kehis, urged the beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity.

The minister commended the lawmaker for initiating and attracting such a laudable project to his constituency.

Earlier in his remarks, the State Director in the ministry, Mr Victor Ihediwa thanked the Federal Government for bringing succour to people of the state through the programme.

Ihediwa said there was an urgent need to diversify the economy and build food security measures, considering the current economic situation in the nation.

Also, Onuigbo said that essence of training and empowering his constituents was to enable them take advantage of the huge opportunities the  industry offered.

Onuigbo, who was represented by Mr Loveday Okwuonu, urged the  beneficiaries to utilise the knowledge and resources provided to gainfully engage themselves, as well as be employers of labour.

“We are not just empowering you to disappear, but I will look forward to positive feedbacks on your journey,” he said.

In an interview with NAN, a beneficiary, Miss Joy Ezebuiro, expressed gratitude, saying “I’m excited because this an opportunity for me to start off a business that will yield income.” (NAN)