Abia State Governor, Okeze Ikpeazu, has assured his government’s readiness to collaborate with the Ohuhu Development Foundation to revitalize the Ulonna Farm settlement for the betterment of Abians.
Ikpeazu said the revitalization of the Ulonna Farm Settlement would create job opportunities for youths as well as ensure food security and needed raw materials for local use and export.
He directed the Commissioner for Agriculture, Professor Ikechi Mgbeoji to immediately commence discussions with the Ohuhu Development Foundation and relevant bodies with a view to producing a workable plan for the take-off of the project.
Governor Ikpeazu gave the assurance at the Government House Umuahia in a meeting with the prospective investors of the Ulonna Farm Settlement led by an Elder Statesman, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu.
According to him, Late Dr Michael Okpara, former Premier of Eastern Region, left behind indelible footprints in the Agricultural Sector and promised not to let his efforts be in vain.
The Governor further said there was a need for the setting up of a platform to add value to Agriculture, adding that the dream to create an agro cluster in Umuahia for agro value remains aglow.
Earlier in his speech, the Leader of the delegation and former Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu said they were concerned about the state of Ulonna Farm settlement which has not been put into good use over the years.
He disclosed that the Ohuhu Development Foundation is interested in promoting the rapid development in Ohuhu land, hence their resolve to seek the Governor’s approval to develop a programme for reviving the farm settlement for the benefit of Abians.
Presenting their proposal to the Governor, a member of the foundation, Chief Enyinnaya Onokala, said they intend to develop Ulonna Farm settlement to a modern Agricultural Business producing competitive cash crops with value addition for the major domestic and export market.
