In a time when many political officeholders retreat into the comfort of bureaucratic routines, one man is tilling a different path—quite literally. Hon. Deacon Joseph Ununu, the member representing Abakaliki South Constituency in Ebonyi State, is redefining leadership, legacy, and livelihood by returning to his roots—the farm.
“There is time for everything,” he says, pausing between rows of healthy maize on his expansive farmland. “Time for politics, and time for farming. Politics may be what I do today, but farming is what shaped me. It is my first primary assignment; politics is secondary.”
In these words lies a powerful message—not just for the people of Ebonyi State, but for Nigerians across all regions, particularly the youth and political class. As the nation grapples with food insecurity, inflation, and economic instability, Hon Ununu’s story emerges as a timely reminder of the transformative potential of agriculture.
A Legacy of the Land
Born and raised in a family where farming was not just a means of survival but a heritage, Ununu, the Deputy Leader of the State Assembly and former Chairman of Abakaliki Rice Mill, was taught the value of hard work, patience, and stewardship of the land. His father, a proud Ebonyi farmer, instilled in him a love for the soil and an understanding of its power.
“I am proud of what my father taught me,” Hon. Joseph reflects. “He gave me a gift no university can teach—how to feed myself, my family, and my nation.”
Despite his political office, he still spends time on his farm—cultivating yams, cassava, vegetables, and grains—not for show, but as a practical contribution to food security. His lifestyle sends a clear message: true leadership is not about detachment, but connection—especially with the land that sustains us.
Agriculture: The Forgotten Goldmine
Once the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, agriculture has suffered decades of neglect, particularly among the younger generation. However, Hon. Ununu, believes that the revival of this sector lies not in foreign investment alone, but in a mindset shift—especially among political officeholders and educated youths.
“It’s time we stopped looking down on farming as a poor man’s profession,” he says firmly. “Farming is not a fallback plan—it’s a foundation. Any nation that cannot feed itself cannot be truly sovereign.”
He points to Ebonyi’s fertile land, especially in rice and yam production, as an untapped goldmine that can not only feed the state but supply the entire nation with stable food reserves—if only more hands joined the effort.
Leading by Example
Ununu's initiative is more than symbolic; it is strategic. He supports local farmers, organizes youth awareness drives, and is currently collaborating with agricultural cooperatives to empower young entrepreneurs with land, training, and tools.
“Every young person with a phone should also have a hoe,” he often says, blending modern aspirations with age-old wisdom. He dreams of an Ebonyi where farming is trendy, profitable, and proudly embraced by all.
A National Call to Action
The message is simple, yet powerful: Politics without productivity is incomplete. Hon. Joseph is calling on his fellow lawmakers, governors, and public servants to take up the mantle—not just as policymakers, but as practical participants in the agricultural revolution.
“If every local government chairman planted just one hectare of farmland, and every youth cultivated a plot, Nigeria would not need to import food,” he emphasizes.
This is not just about agriculture. It is about dignity. It is about responsibility. It is about reclaiming our place as a nation blessed with arable land, intelligent people, and abundant resources.
Proudly Ebonyi, Proudly Nigerian
Ununu, a two term lawmaker stands today as a symbol of integrated leadership—one foot in the assembly, and the other firmly in the soil. His example is proof that farming and governance are not mutually exclusive, but complementary.
His story is a seed of inspiration, now planted in the hearts of every reader: to lead is to serve, and to serve is to feed.
Indeed, there is time for everything.
