Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta has presented Olam Agri with a Certificate of Occupancy for 99.99 hectares of land at Ogwashi-Uku, where the company plans to establish an animal feed production plant.
The governor presented the certificate at Government House in Asaba.
He said his administration remained committed to creating an enabling environment for genuine investors, adding that peace, due process and cooperation were essential to attracting investment and sustaining economic growth.
Oborevwori described the land allocation as an important step towards expanding agricultural opportunities in the state. Investments in food production, he said, could stimulate economic activity, create jobs and improve livelihoods.
“This occasion reflects our commitment to following due process in all our dealings,” he said.
“As a government, we are determined to create an enabling environment for investors to thrive and businesses to grow.
“We recognise that peace, unity and cooperation are essential to attracting investment. When a community is peaceful and its people work together, investors are more willing to establish businesses there.
“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.”
He commended the traditional institution and other stakeholders for helping to maintain the peace and cooperation needed to attract investment. He also reiterated his administration’s commitment to agricultural productivity and food security.
Olam Managing Director Amit Agarwal said the company had identified the South-South and South-East as strategic locations for its next animal feed production facility because the regions relied on supplies from the South-West.
Olam Agri already operates plants in the South-West, he said, but wants to bring production closer to markets in the South-South and South-East to improve supply and address the regions’ feed production deficit.
Agarwal thanked the state government for supporting the project and said the company looked forward to working with the government, the traditional institution and the host community to ensure its successful implementation.
The Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, Obi Ifechukwude Okonjo II, urged the company to ensure the host community benefited through employment, internships, skills development and technology transfer.
The proposed investment is expected to help bridge the animal feed supply gap in the South-South and South-East, reduce the regions’ reliance on supplies from the South-West and strengthen the regional livestock value chain.
