Group Rubbishes Utomi’s Claims, Says Agricultural Produce City In Edo Now Overgrown By Weeds

Prof Pat Utomi’s claims that he designed an economic initiative for Edo State, the Agricultural Produce City, which he also claimed is in full operation in reply to one of the attacks against him by former Governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan has been faulted by a social group in Edo state.

Recall that Uduaghan and Utomi has been in a media war since last week over claims and counter claims of their achievements for the state.

Utomi who launched the first salvo had accused Uduaghan of plugging the state into debt through excessive borrowing.

But Uduaghan in his reply said Utomi needed to learn the rope of governance starting as a Councillors but Utomi took a swipe on him again saying even councillor would have done better than Uduaghan in his eight years tenure.

A members of trustee of the social group, Edo Forum of Patriots, EFP, however took Utomi to the cleaners about the Edo claims saying the project was been run aground under the watch of the professor.

The statement signed by Rt. Hon. Bright Omokhodion, a member of the EFP, said the supposed Agricultural Produce City is at present a desolate project overtaken by weeds.

The statement from the group further reads, “The Professor was quoted as saying “as we speak, more than one hundred hectares of jungle has been cleared and is continuing. An Independent Power Project (IPP) to power the Produce City in Edo state has commenced activities and hundreds of millions of Naira in investments have also been committed. In 5 years there will be more than 20,000 quality jobs created in that location.”

“While not joining issues with the famous Professor, or attempting to take a side in his fall out with ex-Governor Uduaghan, we as a pan Edo sociocultural group committed to the defence of the interests of Edo people worldwide wishes to put the records straight.

“It is true that Prof. Utomi in collaboration with the former Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole bulldozed a large portion of land in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo state for the purpose of setting up an Agricultural Produce City. Indeed the project was launched with fanfare in the twilight of Oshiomhole’s administration.

“Sadly, after the official opening ceremony, the caterpillars and bulldozers have all disappeared. As we speak the vast land is not only desolate but has been overgrown by weeds. No single activity is going on there, talk more of employing willing youths in the area.

“As a matter of fact, the host community believes that the whole idea about the Agricultural Produce City was geared towards handing over their land to Prof. Pat Utomi and his business partners. They feel shortchanged and have been made to hold the short end of the stick. In essence, there is no Agricultural Produce City that is thriving and ongoing in Edo state as suggested.”