Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has urged Presco Plc to commence its proposed oil palm investment at the government-owned Ulonna Farm Settlement as the company projects about 5,000 direct jobs from the planned agro-industrial venture.
Governor Otti made the call on Thursday while receiving a delegation of the agro-industrial company, led by its chairman, Mr Rasheed Sarumi, at Government House, Umuahia.
The proposed investment is expected to involve the rehabilitation of existing farmland at Ulonna and the development of additional plantation land at Ozuitem, with the potential to stimulate local businesses and generate revenue for the state.
The Governor urged Presco to begin operations at Ulonna, where the government has about 4,200 hectares of land, while arrangements are made to secure additional land required for the project.
“I think we can start from the known to the unknown. We have Ulonna Farm Settlement that belongs to the government. We have about 4,200 hectares at Ulonna.
“So, if you are looking for 10,000 hectares and you already have 4,200, what you are looking for is just slightly less than 6,000 hectares”, Governor Otti said.
He acknowledged concerns surrounding some of the proposed community lands and urged the company to engage the affected communities through their leadership to address outstanding issues.
Governor Otti assured the company that his administration would facilitate access to the additional land needed for the project, although he acknowledged that the process would take time.
The Governor described Abia as an attractive destination for investment in the South-East and South-South, citing the availability of skilled manpower, infrastructure and government support.
He also expressed the state’s readiness to conclude the necessary agreements to enable the project to commence, urging the company to resolve outstanding issues.
Governor Otti however, stressed that the proposed partnership should provide benefits for both parties, including equity participation for the state and appropriate representation on the company’s board.
According to him, the state contributes more than land to the proposed investment, providing stability, an enabling business environment and access to a market for the company’s products.
Earlier, chairman of the company, Mr Rasheed Sarumi commended the Otti led administration for its understanding of business and support for the proposed investment and expressed confidence in the prospects of establishing a successful operation in the state.
Sarumi disclosed that the company had spent seven months engaging stakeholders towards establishing the project.
He added that the proposed investment would focus on two locations: Ulonna Farm Settlement and community land at Ozuitem.
Sarumi said the company planned to rehabilitate the existing farmland at Ulonna by clearing old trees and replanting, while approximately 12,000 hectares of community land at Ozuitem had also been identified for the proposed development.
The Chairman stated that beyond the projected 5,000 direct jobs, the investment was expected to generate tax revenue for the state and create opportunities for local businesses as well as provide goods and services to support plantation operations.
