The Mayor of Umunneochi Local Government Area, Mazi Sunny Afurobi, has intensified efforts to attract private investment into the agricultural sector, describing the revitalisation of the abandoned Abia Cashew Plantation at Umuobasi, Mbala Isuochi, as a major opportunity to create jobs and expand the local economy.
Afurobi made the call yesterday at Agu Umuobasi, Mbala Isuochi, while leading a team of prospective investors from the state on an inspection tour of agricultural investment opportunities across the Local Government Area.
The Mayor said his administration was deliberately pursuing initiatives that would unlock Umunneochi’s economic potential, create employment and improve the standard of living of residents.
According to him, the Local Government is endowed with vast expanses of arable land, favourable soil conditions and abundant natural resources capable of supporting large-scale agricultural production.
He, therefore, urged communities across Umunneochi to make their lands available for genuine investments, stressing the need for clear Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to protect the interests of both host communities and investors and ensure the successful execution of projects.
On the Abia Cashew Plantation, Afurobi said he had discouraged the idea of simply leasing the nine-mile stretch of the plantation, preferring that it be handed over to credible investors capable of developing and maximising its economic potential.
He explained that the ageing cashew trees could be pruned and rejuvenated, while unproductive trees could be replaced with improved seedlings capable of producing within the first five years.
The Mayor called on the people of the area to embrace the proposed revitalisation as a people-oriented project that would generate employment, stimulate economic activities and create sustainable sources of income.
He expressed optimism that the project would eventually take off, noting that the establishment of a cashew processing facility in Umunneochi would further deepen the agricultural value chain and unlock additional economic opportunities.
In his words, “When our cashew is processed right here in Umunneochi, it will increase the value chain, boost trade and commerce, generate revenue for the society, attract other investors, and create more employment opportunities for our people.
“Instead of allowing our raw agricultural products to leave the community for processing elsewhere, we can build an economy where value is created right here at home. Hence, my advocacy for the establishment of cashew processing facilities here in Umunneochi. This will bring opportunities for our youths, create jobs for our people, and attract more businesses and investors into Umunneochi.”
Afurobi said his broader vision was to transform livestock and cash-crop agriculture in Umunneochi from subsistence farming into a commercially viable hub and a sustainable source of wealth, employment and community development, supported by other agricultural ancillary businesses.
He regretted that the absence of motorable access roads into the Abia Cashew Plantation, Umuobasi, hindered the investors from carrying out a comprehensive physical assessment of the farm.
He, however, said the administration would explore alternative measures, including the deployment of drone cameras to obtain detailed aerial images of the plantation, thereby enabling the government and prospective investors to properly assess its size, condition and development potential.
The Mayor commended an illustrious son of Umunneochi, High Chief Osita Offor, the Ultimate Commander and Ikenga Nneato gburugburu, for facilitating the investors’ visit to the Local Government Area.
He urged Offor to sustain his efforts towards attracting investments and development initiatives to Umunneochi.
Speaking on behalf of the investors, Mr. Chimezie Okwuokenye said representatives of TSTC Asia Ltd. (Hong Kong) and Canary Foods Nigeria Ltd. visited Umunneochi to explore investment opportunities in the area.
He disclosed that Canary Foods Nigeria Ltd. is handling the Abia Commercial City Project, which is expected to be launched soon in the state.
Okwuokenye said he was impressed by the vast landmass available in Umunneochi, noting that the companies’ investment activities would not only create jobs but also provide training opportunities in agro-based projects.
He added that the Local Government could benefit significantly from such opportunities if the companies eventually commence operations in the area.
Also speaking, a business partner with TSTC Asia Ltd. (Hong Kong) and Canary Foods Nigeria Ltd., Chief Osita Offor, the Ultimate Commander and Ikenga Gburugburu Nneato, disclosed that the company was handling the Abia Commercial City Project, valued at millions of dollars and expected to commence soon in Abia State.
He explained that the company’s interest in Umunneochi would serve as an extension of its major project, bringing additional value and development to the Local Government Area through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
Chief Offor commended the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, and the Mayor of Umunneochi, Mazi Sunny Afurobi, for creating and guaranteeing an enabling environment for businesses and investment opportunities in the state and the Local Government Area.
The visit culminated in inspections of other potential investment locations across Umunneochi.
Those who accompanied the team included the Councillor representing Amuda Ward, Hon. David Mba; former State Assistant Secretary of the Labour Party, Comrade Ibebuike Obialor; President General of Mbala Town Development Union, Ogbuehi Architect Uche Obi, and members of his executive, alongside other stakeholders and a team of Combined Security Operatives in Umunneochi.
