Abia State Governor Alex Otti has unveiled plans for a multi-billion-naira agro-industrial processing facility in Umunneochi Local Government Area, marking a significant step toward transforming the state’s agricultural sector.
Speaking on Wednesday during the commissioning of the 11.27-kilometer Mbala-Umuaku-Ngodo Road reconstruction, Otti emphasized that the facility would integrate production, aggregation, and processing of agro-commodities. The initiative aims to enhance food production, strengthen value chains, and open export opportunities for local farmers and agribusinesses.
“This project will serve as a major economic driver, creating jobs and boosting the local economy,” Otti stated, assuring stakeholders that implementation would commence soon.
In addition to advancing agricultural development, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to infrastructure improvement. He directed the Commissioner for Works to inspect the dilapidated Nmam Bridge for urgent intervention, highlighting the importance of accessible roads for economic growth.
Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Mrs. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, commended the road reconstruction, describing it as a catalyst for economic development and urging the government to prioritize the Nmam Bridge’s rehabilitation. Similarly, Chief Amobi Ogah, the lawmaker representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency, emphasized the project’s unifying impact on residents and called for the rehabilitation of Uturu Road to further enhance connectivity.
Commissioner for Works, Mr. Otumchere Oti, praised the governor’s dedication to rural development, noting that the newly reconstructed road passes through agrarian communities known for cassava, cashew, yam, and black bean production. He acknowledged that poor road conditions had long hindered farmers’ access to markets, expressing optimism that the new infrastructure would improve economic opportunities.
“The governor, the jinx breaker, is here, and every obstacle that has delayed this road’s construction will be thrown into the dustbin of history,” he declared.
With the establishment of the agro-industrial processing facility and ongoing infrastructure projects, the Otti administration is set to unlock new economic prospects for Abia State’s agricultural sector.
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