Mayor Sunny Afurobi has paid a working visit to Obinolu Lomara Obiagu Ward in Umunneochi Local Government Area as part of efforts to facilitate the establishment of a proposed Garri processing plant in the community.
The Mayor was received at the palace of His Royal Majesty, Eze Luke O. Uche, Nnakaeze I of Obinolu, Ngodo Isuochi, by traditional rulers, executives of the Obinolu Town Development Union, party leaders, councillors, and other stakeholders from the ward.
The visit, which drew jubilant residents who welcomed the Mayor with solidarity songs, was to inspect a parcel of land proposed for the construction of a cassava processing facility.
Speaking during the visit, Mayor Afurobi explained that the project was part of the local government’s drive to boost food security, enhance agricultural value chains, and create economic opportunities for residents.
He noted that once the process of acquiring the land is completed, work would commence on the construction of the garri processing plant.
The Mayor also commended the developmental strides of Abia State Governor Alex Otti, particularly in the areas of security, road infrastructure, healthcare delivery, and school rehabilitation across Umunneochi LGA.
Afurobi further highlighted some of his administration’s achievements across different wards in the council area, reiterating his commitment to grassroots development and agricultural empowerment.
In their remarks, His Royal Majesty Eze Ambassador Luke Uche and Eze Kenneth Uga expressed appreciation to the Mayor for bringing the project to Obinolu.
They assured him that the community would make land available to ensure the successful take-off of the project, which they described as capable of positively transforming the local economy.
Also speaking, the Interim Chairman of the Obinolu Town Development Union, Very Rev. Isreal, alongside the union’s Secretary, Hon. Chiagozie Egbu, welcomed the proposed siting of the cassava processing plant in the town and pledged the community’s full support toward its implementation.
The community leaders, however, appealed to the Mayor to address the activities of cattle rearers, which they said were affecting farming activities in the area.
The Ward Chairman of Obinolu Obiagu Lomara Ward, the Umunneochi LGA Woman Leader of the Labour Party, and several councillors were also present during the inspection visit.
At the proposed project site, Mayor Afurobi expressed satisfaction with the suitability of the land and promised to deploy workers for site clearing ahead of the commencement of construction.
The visit ended on a note of excitement and optimism, as traditional rulers, community leaders, and residents expressed strong support for the proposed garri processing plant, which they believe will stimulate agricultural production and economic growth in the area.
