Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has allocated 99.99 hectares of land to Olam Agri for an animal feed plant in Ogwashi-Uku, in a move to tackle feed shortages and reduce the South-South and South-East’s dependence on supplies from the South-West.
The proposed facility is expected to improve the supply of animal feed, support livestock production and strengthen the agricultural value chain across the two regions.
Oborevwori presented the Certificate of Occupancy to the company at the Government House, Asaba, on Wednesday, saying the investment would create jobs and boost economic activities in the state.
He said his administration was committed to providing an enabling environment for genuine investors, adding that peace, cooperation and respect for due process were important for attracting businesses.
“This occasion reflects our commitment to following due process in all our dealings. As a government, we are determined to create an enabling environment for investors to thrive and for businesses to grow,” the governor said.
He added that investments in agriculture would help improve food production, create employment and raise living standards.
The governor also commended traditional rulers and other stakeholders for helping to maintain the peace needed to attract investment.
Speaking at the ceremony, Olam Agri’s Managing Director, Amit Agarwal, said the company chose the South-South and South-East for its next feed production facility because the regions depended heavily on supplies from the South-West.
He said the company already operated plants in the South-West but wanted to bring production closer to markets in the two regions to improve supply and address the feed deficit.
Agarwal thanked the state government for supporting the project and expressed the company’s readiness to work with the government, traditional institutions and host community to ensure its successful implementation.
The Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, Obi Ifechukwudi Okonjo II, urged the company to provide employment, internship placements and skills development opportunities for residents of the host community.
He also called for technology transfer to ensure that the community benefited from the investment beyond the construction and operation of the plant.
