Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Bldr. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has called on the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to extend its Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) to all local government areas of the state to accelerate rural transformation and expand agricultural opportunities.
The governor also pledged his administration’s commitment to consolidating and scaling up the programme to address the agricultural and agro-allied needs of the people, particularly rural farmers and agribusiness operators.
Nwifuru made the call on Thursday, October 15, 2026, when he received the IFAD supervision mission, led by its Country Director, Mohammed El-Ghazaly, at his office in Ochudo Centenary City, Abakaliki.
The governor commended IFAD for its commitment to agricultural development in Ebonyi State, describing the programme as consistent with his administration’s People’s Charter of Needs agenda, which prioritises people-oriented development and improved livelihoods.
He expressed confidence in the programme’s capacity to deliver meaningful benefits to the state, assuring the visiting team that his administration would work towards extending its reach to the remaining local government areas identified for inclusion.
“We thank you for believing in us and for agreeing to stay in Ebonyi State. I am sure the remaining local governments, as presented yesterday, will be included to benefit from the project,” the governor said.
He added: “Let me thank IFAD for this project. This project is centred on the People’s Charter of Needs agenda. I have seen your project, and it gives me great confidence in your ability. Let me thank Mr President for this great gesture.”
The governor’s remarks underscore his administration’s commitment to strengthening agricultural value chains, improving rural livelihoods and creating opportunities for farmers and other stakeholders across the state.
Earlier, El-Ghazaly said the IFAD team was in Ebonyi to assess the progress recorded under the VCDP and examine the steps required to complete the ongoing project before its scheduled closure in December 2026.
“We are also here to look at how the project will be completed in a few months’ time, as we will be closing in December,” he said.
The IFAD country director noted that the state’s interest in expanding the programme was understood and appreciated, while commending the Nwifuru administration for releasing counterpart funds to support its implementation.
“As you know, the project is being implemented for development, and we know Ebonyi State will like to scale up the project. We thank you for the counterpart funds you have so far released. We thank you so much, Sir,” El-Ghazaly said.
The supervision mission is expected to remain in Ebonyi State until October 21, 2026, as part of efforts to assess implementation progress and facilitate the successful completion of the programme.
The proposed expansion of the VCDP to all local government areas is expected to strengthen the state’s drive towards inclusive agricultural development, subject to the programme’s implementation arrangements and the necessary approvals.
