In a bold step toward revitalizing agriculture and tackling youth unemployment, the Ohuhu Welfare Union’s Youth Wing, under the leadership of Chief Iheanacho Uchenna, has secured over 15 plots of farmland at Ulonna South Farm Settlement for its newly launched initiative, “Operation Go Back to Farm.”
Speaking with journalists in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, Chief Uchenna emphasized that the initiative is designed to reawaken interest in agriculture among the youth and reposition it as a profitable and sustainable career path. According to him, the program aims to not only boost food production but also address pressing challenges such as urban migration, food insecurity, and economic hardship.
“We want our youths to see farming not as a fallback option but as a viable business,” he said. “With the right support and commitment, agriculture can provide the kind of financial independence many of our young people are seeking.”
Chief Uchenna expressed his deep appreciation to traditional and community leaders, including HRM Eze (Builder) Charles C. Ngwuli, RHC Mmerenwanne Egekwuru, and RHC Engr. Okechukwu Onuoha, for their support in securing the land. He credited their cooperation and goodwill as instrumental in making the initiative a reality.
The official launch of the “Operation Go Back to Farm” initiative is scheduled for Saturday, April 19, 2025. The event is expected to attract community stakeholders, government representatives, and youth leaders across the region.
Highlighting the broader goals of the program, Chief Uchenna noted that it is not only about cultivating crops but also about cultivating opportunities. “By promoting local food production and encouraging sustainable agricultural practices, we’re not just growing food, we’re growing futures,” he added.
He also made a passionate appeal to governments at all levels to support similar youth-led agricultural initiatives providing necessary infrastructure, access to credit facilities, and training. “If we want to ensure food security and empower our young population, then investing in agriculture must become a priority,” he concluded.
The “Operation Go Back to Farm” initiative marks a significant step toward harnessing the potential of agriculture as a tool for youth empowerment and rural development in Ohuhu and beyond.
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