Dr. Eric Odo, the Chairman of Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area, Enugu State, has faulted all the negative media reports on his appointment of Senior Special Assistants, SSAs, on Agriculture, Garden, Yam and Pepper.

Odo said the appointment of SSAs on Agriculture, Garden Egg, Yam and Pepper was a strategic move to boost production of the crops in large quantity.

He said it would satisfy local demands and boost export.

Recall that Eric Odo appointed Ezeugwu Ogbonna as Senior Special Assistant, SSA, on Agriculture (Yam and Pepper).

The appointment was contained in a letter dated November 1 and addressed to Ogbonna.

It read: “I am pleased to inform you that the executive chairman Igbo Etiti LGA has approved your appointment as senior special assistant to the local government chairman on agriculture (yam and pepper.

“You should report to the executive chairman Igbo Etiti LGA, Ogbede, for briefing and deployment.

“It is pertinent to note that this is not a career civil service appointment but a temporary appointment which you hold at the pleasure of the executive chairman of Igbo Etiti LGA.”

Odo also appointed Nwodo Ugonna as Special Adviser on Garden Egg and Pepper.

Reacting to the public’s reactions, Odo maintained that it was important to point out that Igbo-Etiti do well in growing these crops.

He said they had great comparative advantage, hence the need to engage individuals who have the competence to develop that aspect of agriculture.

This, he said, was to ensure that local farmers receive adequate attention, needed resources, support, and expertise to enhance production, improve market access, and increase income for farmers.

According to him, “In essence, the appointment, which is wrongly misunderstood by disgruntled individuals, bad losers and opposition, reinforces my determination to creating a thriving local economy based on the strengths and potentials of Igbo-Etiti’s agricultural landscape.”

The chairman added that the decision was a well-thought-out one aimed at enhancing productivity, job creation, and to uplift farmers and communities in a way that resonates with both short-term and long-term development goals.

He urged the public to disregard any online or offline comment aimed at discrediting the laudable and visionary efforts to reposition and set Igbo-Etiti LGA on the path of massive food production and sustainable development.