By Romanus Okoye
Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo has made a bold commitment to elevate the Otupu foodstuffs market and other agricultural centres in Anambra West Local Government Area to international prominence, following his recent visit that left his entourage marvelled at the sheer volume and variety of agricultural produce on display.
The governor’s declaration came during an inspection tour of the bustling market, where he encountered an impressive array of fresh produce including yams, potatoes, okro, pepper, ugbogwulu (fluted pumpkin leaves), ugu (pumpkin leaves), and numerous other vegetables that underscore Anambra West’s position as the state’s agricultural powerhouse.
Speaking at the market, Governor Soludo expressed amazement at the agricultural abundance, declaring that “Anambra West alone is capable of feeding Anambra State and neighbouring states.” His observation reflects documented evidence that supports this claim, as some publications state that the people of Anam produce up to 70% of the whole foodstuffs from Anambra State, with major crops produced in large quantities including yam, cassava, rice, corn, groundnut and potatoes.
The governor made a particularly striking observation about the community’s health and vitality, noting the remarkable appearance of local residents. “I have discovered why everyone including elders look fresh in Anam. It is because they eat natural and fresh everything, including fish,” Governor Soludo remarked, connecting the abundant local produce to the visible wellbeing of the community.
The governor’s entourage witnessed firsthand the remarkable productivity of Anambra West’s agricultural sector, with market stalls overflowing with fresh produce that demonstrates the area’s fertile soil and favourable farming conditions. The variety of crops available, from root vegetables like yams and potatoes to leafy vegetables such as ugbogwulu and ugu, showcases the diversified agricultural base that has made the region indispensable to food security across southeastern Nigeria.
In a gesture that underscored the significance of the visit and the importance placed on the agricultural sector, local farmers and traders presented the governor with truck loads of fresh foodstuffs. This symbolic offering highlighted both the abundance of local production and the community’s appreciation for the state government’s renewed focus on agricultural development.
The commitment to place these markets “on the world map” aligns with Governor Soludo’s broader agricultural transformation agenda. The governor has already launched massive agricultural initiatives, including this year’s distribution of 1,040,000 economic trees’ seedlings for oil palm, African breadfruit, bitter kola, kola-nut and pawpaw, demonstrating systematic investment in long-term agricultural sustainability.
Building on this agricultural foundation, Governor Soludo has already commissioned the new Solution Arena Fruit and Vegetable Market in Agulu, Anaocha Local Government Area, representing a major step forward in the state’s efforts to modernise its marketplaces and provide safe trading spaces. The success of this model provides a template for similar development in Anambra West.
The governor’s vision for Otupu market reflects understanding of global agricultural trade dynamics, where properly organised and equipped markets can attract international buyers and establish direct export relationships. By promising to put these markets on the world map, Soludo signals intentions to upgrade infrastructure, improve logistics, and create value-addition facilities that meet international standards.
Furthermore, the governor has demonstrated commitment to market development through projects like the modern Solution Market and Solution Park in Ekwulọbịa, which attracted more than 10,000 supporters and stakeholders, celebrating milestones in the state’s ambitious urban regeneration agenda. This track record provides credibility to promises regarding Otupu market development.
The agricultural potential of Anambra West extends beyond vegetables to include diverse food production systems. The rivers in Anam are homes to a wide variety of fishes, adding aquaculture to the area’s agricultural portfolio and creating opportunities for integrated food production systems that could attract international attention.
The governor’s entourage included key agricultural stakeholders who witnessed the impressive displays of produce that have established Anambra West’s reputation as the state’s food basket. The diversity of crops, from indigenous vegetables like ugbogwulu to staples such as yams and potatoes, demonstrates agricultural knowledge and farming techniques that have been refined over generations.
Market infrastructure development forms a crucial component of the governor’s agricultural modernisation strategy. By upgrading facilities like Otupu market to international standards, the administration aims to reduce post-harvest losses, improve product quality, and create direct linkages between farmers and international markets.
The visit also highlighted the economic potential of agricultural value chains that could transform rural livelihoods whilst contributing to food security across the region. The truck loads of produce presented to the governor symbolise the untapped potential for agricultural processing, packaging, and export that could generate significant foreign exchange earnings.
The state’s commitment to agricultural transformation is further evidenced by the activities of the solution government, which is committed to the welfare of farmers and agricultural development, according to the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Forster Ihejiofor.
Governor Soludo’s promise to place Otupu market on the world map represents more than rhetorical commitment; it signals systematic investment in agricultural infrastructure, logistics systems, and quality standards that could position Anambra West as a significant player in regional and international food markets.
The remarkable agricultural productivity witnessed during the governor’s visit underscores the wisdom of focusing development attention on Anambra West’s comparative advantages. With proper investment in market infrastructure, processing facilities, and logistics systems, the area’s agricultural abundance could indeed achieve the international recognition promised by the governor.
The presentation of truck loads of produce to Governor Soludo serves as both a gesture of appreciation and a demonstration of the agricultural wealth that awaits proper development and international marketing. This abundance represents the foundation upon which world-class agricultural markets can be built, fulfilling the governor’s ambitious vision for Anambra West’s agricultural future.
