Olam Agri, an agro-based investor has secured 100 hectares of land at Ogwashi-Uku in Delta State for the establishment of an animal feed production plant.
The certificate of occupancy for the land was signed at a special ceremony in Asaba, the Delta State capital by the State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori and presented to the company.
Oborevwori said the plant would strengthen agricultural development and food security in the state and help address the supply gap in animal feed in the South-South and South-East.
The governor added that his administration was committed to creating an enabling environment for genuine investors, stressing that peace, due process and cooperation were essential to attract investments and sustain economic growth.
He described the land allocation as an important step towards expanding agricultural opportunities in Delta State, noting that investments in food production could stimulate economic activity, create employment opportunities and improve livelihoods.
“Such investments create opportunities for economic growth, employment and development. Our government will continue to support genuine investors who are willing to contribute to the development of our state.
“We believe that partnerships with reputable companies in the agricultural sector can help boost food production, create jobs and improve livelihoods,” the governor said.
The Managing Director of Olam Agri, Mr. Amit Agarwal, said the company had wanted a strategic location for its next animal feed production, which it has found at Ogwashi-Uku.
He explained that Olam Agri already had plants in the South-West but wanted to bring production closer to markets in the South-South and South-East to improve supply and address the region’s feed production deficit.
Agarwal thanked Delta State Government for supporting the project, and expressed the desire to work with the state government, the traditional institution and the host community for its successful implementation.
Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, HRM Obi Dr. Ifechukwudi Okonjo II, urged the company to ensure that the host community benefited from the project through employment, internship opportunities, skills development and technology transfer.
