Anambra State government has presented a cheque of one million naira to the farmer with the best yam at the maiden Anambra New Yam festival held last year.

 

Mr. Chigozie Anene from Akwaeze won the grand prize on behalf of Anaocha Local Government Area with a yam weighing over one hundred and fifteen kilograms during the festival.

Governor Chukwuma Soludo had promised to reward the “Di Ji” with the sum of one million naira during the ceremony.

 

Presenting the cheque to Mr. Anene on behalf of the state government, the Transition Committee Chairman of Anaocha Local Government Area, Mr Gerald Ozoh said that Governor Soludo places high priority on revolutionizing agriculture and as such will do everything to motivate farmers in the state.

Mr. Ozoh went further to add that winning the grand prize during the competition has underscored that Anaocha council area as a food basket of the state and promised that the local government administration will continue to support and implement the Solution Agenda in the council.

 

In their separate speeches, the Traditional Ruler of Akwaeze, Igwe Christopher Okpala represented by his Cabinet Secretary, Chief Pius Mbanefo and the President General of the community, Chief Osita Udemba commended Governor Soludo for his regenerative policies in agriculture and promised to continue to encourage farmers and farming in the community.

For the “Di Ji Anambra”, Mr. Anene, the award has inspired him as a farmer and will motivate him to continue on pursuing innovative agricultural methods.

 

The cheque presentation ceremony which also featured symbolic presentation of farm implements to Di Ji Anambra was attended by the Head of Anaocha Local Government Administration, Mrs. Maudline Ezeokeke, councilors and heads of departments in the council area, community and local government stakeholders as well as friends and family of the awardee.