By Abdullahi Lukman
The Green Royal Farms Foundation of Nigeria (GRFFN) has secured 200.71 hectares of land in Umueje Community, Ayamelum Local Government Area of Anambra State for agricultural development, as part of a broader effort to boost food production and economic empowerment.
Speaking at the inauguration of the foundation’s corporate office in Amaenyi, Awka, on Saturday, Amb. Jonathan Okwudiri, Founder and Director-General of the Royal Ambassadors (GRFFN’s parent body), said the foundation has also established functional smart farm settlements in Umueje and Ugbene (Awka North LGA) to support sustainable agriculture.
Okwudiri said the initiative, backed by the Anambra and Federal Ministries of Agriculture and Livestock Development, aims to reduce poverty, hunger, and hardship by 2030 in alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
“Our goal is to empower farmers by providing financial support, technical training, market access, and mentorship,” he said.
“We invite individuals and cooperatives to join this agricultural revolution.”
Also speaking, Umennayia Akunnaka, Deputy President of Young Women Ambassadors, a subgroup of Royal Ambassadors, emphasized the foundation’s commitment to empowering women, youth, and vulnerable individuals through advocacy, training, and inclusive development.
She noted that the Anambra chapter has over 30,000 active members across all 21 local government areas.
Anambra State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Foster Ifejiofor, represented by Mrs. Ifeyinwa Uzoka, praised the initiative, describing it as consistent with the Soludo administration’s regenerative agriculture policy.
He said the state plans to introduce irrigation systems to support year-round farming.
Ifejiofor encouraged farmers to adopt organic practices and grow short-duration crops for economic gain.
He assured GRFFN of the government’s support in linking them with buyers and providing technical assistance, especially to the youth engaged.
“We’re pleased to see youth participation in farming,” he added. “Agriculture cannot be left to the older generation alone.”