RSG Acquires 3,000 Hectares For Agro-Industry

The Rivers Government, has acquired 3,000 hectares in five communities namely, Akwa, Odogwa, Ulakwo, Egwi and Okoroagwu, all in Etche Local Government Area  to establish a $140 million agro-industry according to a statement by the government, Tuesday in Port Harcourt.

The statement quotes Executive Director, Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA), Mr. Noble Pepple, as making the pronouncement during a visit to the traditional ruler of Ulakwo-Umuselem clan in Etche.

The project is a counterpart-funded venture between the state government and an Israeli group, in which Israel is expected to provide $40 million, while the state government is to contribute $100 million.

The statement said that work on the site would start in September, and would provide jobs for 5,000 youths on completion.

It said that the major components of the project would include an agro-industrial processing centre, 300 model farming cites and a large-scale mechanised commercial centre.

In the statement, Pepple appealed to the host communities to cooperate with government, saying “opportunities accruable from the project will have positive effects in the transformation of Etche Local Government Area”.

The Chairman of Etche Local Council, Mr. Reginald Ukwuoma, commended the government for its development initiative and gave  assurance that the council would provide the enabling environment for the successful execution of the project.