The Federal Government, through the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), has invested N666 million in communities across Anambra State to enhance local agricultural production and processing.
Dr. Deborah Onyefulu, State Programme Coordinator of IFAD-VCDP, disclosed this during a media tour of Aguata, Orumba North, and Orumba South Local Government Areas. The tour was organized by the Anambra State Coordination Office of the FG/IFAD VCDP.
Represented by the Knowledge, Management, and Communication Officer, Mr. Henry Anagboso, Dr. Onyefulu said N316 million of the investment was allocated to provide market infrastructure and processing facilities in Aguata LGA following a recent profiling exercise.
She added that the programme has also executed and is currently implementing rice and cassava processing projects worth over N350 million in Ogboji, Nawfija, Ndiokpalaeze, Omogho, and Ufuma communities across Orumba North and South LGAs.
“We want to assure you that all processing centres will be fully equipped with modern facilities upon completion. However, we urge the beneficiaries to take ownership of the projects and ensure their proper maintenance for long-term sustainability,” Onyefulu said.
The President-General of Aguluezechukwu Improvement Union, Mr. JohnPaul Ezenwaka, commended the FG/IFAD VCDP for transforming the Nkwo Market in Aguata into a modern facility. Similarly, the Chairman of Bounty Harvest Cooperative Society, Mr. Chibike Ezeokonkwo, pledged to ensure the security of all market facilities.
At Umueze Isuofia in Aguata, the team inspected a cassava processing centre, solar dryer, and crèche facility for the Adabugo Multipurpose Cooperative Society. They also visited the cassava processing site of Emeka Nawfija Cooperative Society in Ohukabia, Nawfija, Orumba South LGA.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Chinyere Udogu, expressed gratitude to the government for providing the facilities free of charge, apart from their 10 percent counterpart contribution in the form of donated land and direct labour. Another beneficiary, Mrs. Ada Nwokeabia, described the intervention as “life-changing” and a major boost to local agricultural production and processing.
