Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Enugu
The Enugu State Government and the South East Development Commission (SEDC) have entered into a partnership aimed at driving regional agro-industrial growth in the region.
To concretise the partnership, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the South East Agro Development Programme(SEADP) was signed yesterday at the Government House Enugu, by the state government and SEDC.
The collaboration represents a major step towards transformation of agriculture into a catalyst for economic growth, industrialisation, and food security across the South-east.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, who stood in for Governor Peter Mbah, expressed the commitment of the administration to building a robust agricultural economy capable of driving industrial growth and expanding the state’s wealth base.
He stated that the government’s vision of growing Enugu’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion would be actualised largely by strategic investments in agriculture, value addition, and agro-processing.
The SSG noted that the state has been intentional in creating an enabling environment to attract investments through improved security, regulatory reforms, and investor-friendly policies.
He disclosed that over 52,000 hectares of land had already been earmarked for agricultural development, assuring prospective investors of government support while protecting the interests of host communities.
The Managing Director of the South East Development Commission, Mr. Mark Okoye, who was represented by the Executive Director of Projects, Mr. Toby Okechukwu, described the agreement as a landmark initiative that would unlock the region’s vast agricultural potential.
He said the partnership would attract critical investments into agriculture, strengthen food security, and accelerate sustainable agro-industrial development across the South-east.
Okechukwu commended the Enugu State Government for improving security and creating an investment-friendly environment that continues to inspire investor confidence.
The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation, Dr. Patrick Uburu, sounded upbeat while speaking on the collaboration, saying that it would fast-track agricultural transformation in the state.
According to him, this would be achieved through the development of about 52,000 hectares of farmland across designated farm estates, thereby boosting food production and agro-industrial activities.
In his remarks, the Enugu State Liaison Officer to the SEDC, Mr. Edeani M. Edeani, described the MoU as a significant milestone in the quest for regional economic integration.
He said the partnership underscored the shared commitment of both partners to harness the state’s agricultural resources for the benefit of farmers, investors, and local communities.
Edeani stressed that the initiative would create employment opportunities for youths, promote inclusive economic growth, and further position Enugu as a leading agro-industrial hub in the South-east.
