Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Saturday reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to bolstering the fortunes of genuine farmers and private investors by prioritizing infrastructure development, reliable power supply, and strategic incentives.
The governor’s pledge was made during a high-profile inspection of key agricultural enterprises in the state, including Tatcha Farms in Okuloho, Okpe Local Government Area, as well as Amity Global Farms and Manroy Livestock Farms at Ohorhe 1, Uvwie Local Government Area.
Speaking to reporters and stakeholders, Governor Oborevwori emphasized that the state’s support for businesses would not hinge on direct financial interventions but rather on the provision of critical infrastructure and an enabling environment conducive to sustainable growth.
He underscored that these measures were essential for driving economic diversification and fostering job creation across Delta State.
Highlighting the state’s proactive approach to economic development, the governor noted that the recent Delta State Economic and Investment Summit was meticulously organized to highlight the state’s vast investment potential, with a particular focus on agriculture.
The summit served as a platform to attract both local and international investors, positioning Delta as a hub for agricultural innovation and enterprise.
In a strategic move to better understand the challenges faced by local businesses and identify opportunities for expansion, Governor Oborevwori revealed that his economic team had been tasked with conducting comprehensive inspections of farms and enterprises across the state.
This initiative aims to gather firsthand insights into the operational hurdles encountered by businesses and to tailor government interventions accordingly.
Among the key infrastructure projects highlighted by the governor was the award of a 33kV electricity line, which is expected to significantly enhance power supply to farms and other commercial ventures in the inspected areas.
Additionally, he announced that ongoing road construction projects would substantially improve access to farming communities and markets, thereby facilitating smoother logistics and trade. Governor Oborevwori further disclosed plans to construct a dedicated access road linking the Warri-Sapele Expressway to the community hosting Amity Global Farms, a move aimed at enhancing connectivity and economic integration.
The governor’s agricultural support initiatives were framed as inclusive, with a special emphasis on empowering small-scale farmers. He assured that genuine farmers would receive priority access to fertilizers and other essential inputs, while sternly warning against the resale of subsidized inputs. Encouraging broader participation in agriculture, Oborevwori urged civil servants and residents alike to explore farming as a viable economic venture. He posited that agriculture holds the potential to generate employment, enhance food security, and contribute to crime reduction in the state.
Olorogun Alfred Mrakpor, Chief Executive Officer of Tatcha Farms Limited, expressed profound gratitude to the governor for the visit. He described the inspection as a pivotal opportunity to showcase the farm’s contributions to food security, job creation, and agricultural advancement in Delta State.
At Amity Global Farms, Mr. Idama Amurun, Managing Director and CEO, outlined the company’s ambitious plans to collaborate with Brazilian investors and the state government to expand cassava production and establish state-of-the-art processing industries. Amurun elaborated on the multifaceted potential of cassava, noting that it could be transformed into industrial starch, ethanol, and other high-value products, thereby creating substantial employment opportunities. He disclosed that the farm currently employs over 300 workers and cultivates a diverse range of crops, including pepper and cucumber.
However, Mr. Amurun also identified critical challenges impeding the farm’s expansion, including inadequate financing, delays in the supply of day-old chicks, shortages of essential facilities, accommodation constraints, and limited access to land. He emphasized that addressing these bottlenecks would be instrumental in unlocking the farm’s full potential and contributing further to the state’s agricultural economy.
