The Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu, has revealed plans to establish six pilot cottage industries in rural communities towards boosting agriculture in the state.
Ikpeazu made this known on Friday night in Aba during a chat with newsmen on the achievements of his administration to mark his sixth anniversary in office.
According to him, the cottage industries would be sited within the communities for the processing of cassava as well as palm and kernel oil.
He emphasized that the initiative was aimed at engaging the youths in profitable ventures and also reverse the unnecessary rural-urban migration.
The governor said his government remained committed to the five pillars of development, which included trade and commerce, industry, agriculture, education and oil and gas.
He expressed joy that he had achived success in his plan to transform the industrial sector of Aba through the establishment of three alternative power sources.
Ikpeazu added that the a collaboration between the state and Federal Government helped to realise the Ariaria Independent Power Plant for artisans in the market.
