By Onomiguren Agbamu
Delta State, Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Tuesday, commissioned the 10 metric tonnes per hour oil palm processing mill at Akwukwu-Igbo in Oshimili North local government area of the state.
The grand opening ceremony was a great addition to the local economy and an excellent example of public private partnership.
The Governor stated this in his speech at the inauguration of the plant at Norsworthy Farms and Agro Allied Industries, with call for other successful businessmen from the state to emulate him.
Oborevwori commended the immediate past Governor of the state, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, for supporting the establishment of the farm.
Oborevwori said; “the ultra- modern oil processing plant is a great addition to our local economy and an excellent example of public private partnership”
The Governor added that ” Norsworthy Farm and Agro Allied is a glorious opportunity for us to maximise our comparative advantage in oil palm production and transformation of the agricultural landscape in the state.
He commended the courage and industry of Engr Gabriel Ogbechie, for being an outstanding businessman and Chairman of Norsworthy Farms Limited.
The Governor noted that “Dr. Ogbechie is an exemplary Deltan who has demonstrated his love and commitment to the economic development of the state through massive investments and creation of job opportunities for our people”
Oborevwori urged other successful businessmen from the state to emulate Gabriel Ogbechie in investing in the state’s economy by channeling their investments home.
According to him, “No matter where your investments are, home is the best. What you are doing is something you will be remembered for”.
He said, “As a government, we are very proud to be part of this project which holds strong prospects for the urbanisation of the host community and more employment opportunities for our teeming youth population.
The Governor also appreciated the efforts of the previous administrations in the state, which, according to him, were yielding results and urged Norsworthy Farms to spread their tentacles by investing in also establishing in Delta Central and South.
According to the governor, “our administration is determined to boost food security by encouraging farmers with already-made markets for their products and make agricultural farm produce exportable for value addition.”
He assured prospective investors that Delta was very safe for investments, adding, “Delta is very peaceful, stable and we welcome all investors to come to the state.
The immediate past Governor of the state, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, while congratulating Norsworthy Farms, urged other wealthy citizens to invest in palm oil production.
Okowa, who expressed regret at the importation of palm oil in the country, appreciated the communities who donated land for the farm.
He said the out growers scheme would improve the economy of the local communities around and urged them to key into the project.
Earlier during his remarks, the Managing Director of Norsworthy Farms and Agro-Allied Industries, Dr Gabriel Ogbechie, said Nigeria had transitioned from being a net exporter to net importer of palm oil.
While commending Governor Oborevwori and his predecessor for supporting the establishment of the farm, he promised to upscale investments in the state’s agricultural value chain.
