Delta Economic Summit Yields Results as Olam Agri Moves to Establish Feed Plant

Delta State’s drive to attract investment and strengthen agricultural production has received a boost, as Olam Agri prepares to establish an animal feed production plant at Ogwashi-Uku, following the allocation of 99.99 hectares of land by the state government.

The proposed investment aligns with the economic diversification and private-sector investment objectives promoted at the Delta Economic and Investment Summit, which focused on harnessing the state’s resources, attracting investors and creating opportunities for sustainable economic growth.

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori presented the Certificate of Occupancy to Olam Agri at Government House, Asaba, on Wednesday, describing the development as a step towards expanding agricultural opportunities, creating jobs and improving livelihoods.

He said his administration remained committed to providing an enabling environment for genuine investors, stressing that peace, due process and cooperation were essential to attracting businesses and sustaining economic development.

“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 added that partnerships with reputable companies in agriculture could boost food production, create employment and improve living standards. He also commended traditional rulers and other stakeholders for promoting the peace and cooperation needed to attract investments.

Olam Agri Managing Director, Amit Agarwal, said the company selected the South-South and South-East for its next animal feed production facility because of the regions’ dependence on supplies from the South-West.

According to him, the company already operates animal feed plants in the South-West but plans to bring production closer to markets in the two regions to improve supply and address the existing production gap.

The proposed plant is expected to strengthen the livestock value chain, reduce reliance on feed transported from other parts of the country and support agricultural businesses across the South-South and South-East.

Agarwal thanked the Delta State Government for supporting the project and expressed the company’s readiness to work with the government, traditional institution and host community to ensure its successful implementation.

The Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, HRM Obi Dr Ifechukwudi Okonjo II, urged Olam Agri to ensure that the host community benefits from the investment through employment, internships, skills development and technology transfer.

The proposed plant offers a practical example of the type of private-sector investment Delta State seeks to attract through its economic diversification drive. While the project’s employment and production impact will depend on its implementation, the investment could create new opportunities in agriculture, livestock production and related businesses.

The development also highlights the importance of translating the objectives of the Delta Economic and Investment Summit into investments that expand local production, create jobs and strengthen the state’s economy.