Imo Monarch Eze Oliver Ohanwe Calls for Reinstatement of Agricultural Education Amid Food Crisis and Hyperinflation

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Eze (Dr.) Oliver Ohanwe, Paramount Ruler of Isiama Autonomous Community, urges the Federal Government to make Agricultural Science compulsory in schools. Speaking at the New Yam Festival, he highlights agricultural neglect and the need to protect farmlands from encroachment.

Amid Nigeria’s deepening food crisis and hyperinflation, Eze (Dr.) Oliver Ohanwe, the Paramount Ruler of Isiama Autonomous Community in Isiala Mbano Council Area of Imo State and Vice Chairman of the Association of Christian Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, has raised an urgent call to action. The revered Igbo leader is urging the Federal Government to immediately reinstate Agricultural Science as a mandatory subject in Nigeria’s primary and secondary school curricula. Eze Ohanwe emphasized that such an initiative would not only revive agricultural interest among young Nigerians but also play a vital role in combating food scarcity and stabilizing the nation’s economy.

The monarch voiced his concerns during a press briefing following the 2024 edition of his annual “New Yam Festival” at the Wisdom Palace Umuihim Isiama. He highlighted the pivotal role of agriculture in Nigeria’s history, especially within the Igbo community, where farming was once a mainstay of economic stability and community well-being. According to Eze Ohanwe, the dwindling interest in agriculture and the country’s increasing reliance on food imports are clear indicators of a sector neglected by both policymakers and the younger generation.

“In the past, agriculture was the foundation of our economy and a significant source of livelihood, especially in Igboland,” the monarch stated. “However, with the educational shift toward other sectors and the growing attraction to urban jobs, fewer young people are seeing agriculture as a viable path.” Eze Ohanwe stressed that the absence of Agricultural Science in many schools has contributed to this decline, urging both public and private institutions to support the reintroduction of the subject as part of a comprehensive educational reform.

The monarch highlighted that reinstating Agricultural Science would not only equip students with fundamental farming skills but also foster a culture of self-reliance, which could mitigate the impact of rising inflation on essential commodities. “By learning these skills early on, our youth will be empowered to see farming as a noble and profitable endeavor,” he added. “This is crucial if we want to avoid further economic hardship and dependency on imported food.”

Furthermore, Eze Ohanwe addressed the ongoing issue of herdsmen encroaching on fertile farmlands, a concern that has jeopardized the safety and productivity of farmers in the region. He urged the Federal Government to enact stronger policies to protect farmers and secure farmland, emphasizing that the encroachment has hindered local agricultural efforts. “Our people are discouraged because they fear for their lives and their investments,” he noted, adding that unchecked grazing and farmland destruction have led to significant setbacks in the agricultural sector.

The monarch’s annual New Yam Festival, a tradition deeply embedded in Igbo culture, is a testament to his commitment to agricultural values. During the festival, Igbo communities gather to celebrate the yam harvest, offering prayers for prosperity, peace, and fertility for the coming year. “The New Yam Festival is not just a celebration but a reminder of our people’s strong ties to the land,” Eze Ohanwe explained. “We pray not only for a fruitful harvest but for the courage and resilience to overcome these challenges.”

Eze Ohanwe also took a moment to honor the late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, former President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. Reflecting on Iwuanyanwu’s contributions to the Igbo community, he described him as a remarkable leader who left a lasting legacy. “Chief Iwuanyanwu was a man of exceptional qualities who made a profound impact on the lives of our people,” he remarked. “His legacy of service, leadership, and dedication to the Igbo cause will continue to inspire us.”

The monarch commended Governor Hope Uzodimma for organizing a heartfelt and befitting burial for Chief Iwuanyanwu, highlighting the governor’s powerful tribute at the event. According to Eze Ohanwe, Uzodimma’s words demonstrated both courage and empathy, reflecting a vision for progress within the Igbo community. In a symbolic gesture of respect, the governor has renamed the International Conference Centre in Imo State after the late leader, honoring his contributions and cementing his memory in the region’s history.

Eze Ohanwe encouraged the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, to carry forward Iwuanyanwu’s mission. “Chief Iwuanyanwu has laid a foundation that will stand the test of time,” he stated. “Ohanaeze Ndigbo must not lose hope; we must continue his work to unify and uplift the Igbo people.”

As Nigeria grapples with soaring food prices and inflation, Eze Ohanwe’s call for educational reform serves as a timely reminder of the role agriculture can play in fostering self-sufficiency and economic stability. By advocating for Agricultural Science in schools and the protection of farmland, the Igbo monarch’s vision aligns with a growing movement toward a more sustainable, locally-driven food system in Nigeria. His appeal to the Federal Government underscores the urgency of returning to the roots of Nigeria’s economy, drawing from the strength of its agricultural heritage to address today’s pressing challenges.