By Blessing Obam, JKNMedia Reporter
DELTA STATE Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has highlighted the state’s agricultural potential during a meeting with officials from the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, led by Chief Agro-Industrial Economist Dr. Chuma Ezedinma at Government House, Asaba.
Oborevwori underscored Delta’s abundant arable lands, asserting its position among states with the largest agricultural potential in Nigeria, emphasizing the diverse range of crops cultivated in the state, including cassava, maize, yam, rice, assorted vegetables, and rubber, which could be grown on a commercial scale.
Additionally, due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, Delta is involved in aquaculture activities.
Expressing the state’s eagerness to collaborate with the AfDB and other stakeholders, Oborevwori welcomed the prospect of establishing a Special Agro-Processing Zone in Delta.
He assured the visiting delegation of the state’s readiness to support the initiative and emphasized the importance of their assessment in determining the project’s location.
Dr. Ezedinma, speaking on behalf of the AfDB, outlined the purpose of their visit, stating that it was a preparatory mission for the establishment of the second phase of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones programme in Nigeria.
He explained that Nigeria had secured a loan of approximately $520 million for the first phase of the programme and highlighted the significance of assessing states’ readiness for the subsequent phase.
The evaluation criteria, according to Dr. Ezedinma, included states’ willingness to engage private sector partners to support the development of agro-industrial zones.
He emphasized the importance of comprehensive studies, particularly visibility studies of the zones and environmental impact assessments, in assessing states’ preparedness for the programme.
Dr. Ezedinma concluded by affirming the bank’s commitment to evaluating states’ readiness, with Delta State being the latest stop on their assessment tour, following visits to 13 other states.
The meeting signals Delta State’s proactive approach to agricultural development and its commitment to partnering with key stakeholders to harness its agricultural potential for sustainable economic growth and food security.
