BUSINESS
Olam Agri to Invest in Delta as Oborevwori Grants 99.99 Hectares for Animal Feed Plant
Delta State’s drive to attract large-scale private investment has received a major boost as global agribusiness giant, Olam Agri, concluded plans to establish a multi-billion naira animal feed production plant in the state.
Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori on Wednesday presented a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) covering 99.99 hectares of land at Ogwashi-Uku to Olam Agri for the project.
The investment is strategic. It is expected to close the animal feed supply gap in the South-South and South-East, cut dependence on supplies trucked from the South-West, and strengthen the livestock value chain across the two regions.
Presenting the C of O at Government House, Asaba, Governor Oborevwori said the allocation demonstrates his administration’s commitment to due process and investor-friendly policies.
“This occasion reflects our commitment to following due process in all our dealings. As a government, we are determined to create an enabling environment for investors to thrive and for businesses to grow,” the Governor said.
Oborevwori noted that peace and unity in host communities remain key to attracting investments, adding that his administration will continue to support genuine investors willing to contribute to the state’s MORE Agenda.
“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,” he added.
The Governor said the Olam Agri investment would stimulate economic activity, create direct and indirect jobs, and improve livelihoods while boosting food production and food security in the state.
In his remarks, Managing Director of Olam Agri, Mr. Amit Agarwal, said the company chose Delta as its next investment destination after identifying a huge feed deficit in the South-South and South-East markets.
Agarwal disclosed that while Olam Agri currently operates feed plants in the South-West, the new Delta plant will bring production closer to livestock farmers in the South-South and South-East, reducing cost and improving supply efficiency.
He commended the Delta State Government for its support and assured of the company’s commitment to work with the state, the traditional institution and the host community for successful take-off of the project.
Also speaking, the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, HRM Obi Dr. Ifechukwudi Okonjo II, urged Olam Agri to ensure the investment translates to tangible benefits for the host community through jobs, internships, skills acquisition and technology transfer.
The project adds to a growing list of private sector investments under the Oborevwori administration targeted at agro-industrialisation and job creation.
