The Enugu State Government and Fungtai Engineering Ltd. have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the cultivation of cash crops on 7,221 hectares of agricultural land at Ugwujoro, Nimbo, in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area. This initiative aligns with Governor Peter Mbah’s vision to enhance agriculture and agro-industrialisation, improve security, and create employment opportunities.
Additionally, they have entered into another MoU with the National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN) to establish a pre-fabricated Domestic Export Warehouse at Enugu State Polytechnic, Iwollo, occupying 5 hectares of land.
During the MoU signing ceremonies at Government House, Enugu, Governor Mbah described agriculture as a crucial sector for boosting the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and emphasised his administration’s goal of growing the state’s economy to $30 billion within the next six years.
At the signing with Fungtai Engineering, Mbah, represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, stated that the agricultural project at Ugwujoro, Nimbo, would ensure the active use of land near the border that has previously experienced security issues.
“We anticipate that a significant portion of our GDP growth will derive from agriculture; thus, we are committed to advancing agriculture and agro-industrialisation. As you may know, Ugwujoro Nimbo is a border area and has faced security challenges. In addition to employing technology to secure our state, this extensive agricultural initiative will occupy the land, leaving no room for criminals to hide or launch attacks. Therefore, this MoU will enhance agricultural production and agro-industrialisation, improve security, and generate employment.
“As a government, we will ensure this initiative gets off to a strong start and succeeds, as it represents a win-win scenario for both the state and the investors,” he stated.
Fungtai Engineering Ltd’s Managing Director, Sir Isaac Chuks, expressed the company’s eagerness to begin operations, describing Enugu State under the Mbah Administration as an attractive destination for investors.
“We will make the government and the people of Enugu State proud for placing their trust in us. We are delighted that the state is prioritising agriculture and reducing investment risks. So, just wait and see,” he promised.
In the MoU signing with NCAN, Governor Mbah, also represented by Prof. Onyia, described the decision to establish a pre-fabricated domestic export warehouse at Enugu State Polytechnic, Iwollo, as a strategic move with numerous benefits for both the state and the nation.
“We acknowledge the tremendous economic potential of the cashew industry, valued at over $7 billion in the global market, and the governor sees the importance of engaging in this value-adding partnership. We appreciate your reputation and experience, and we aim to collaborate as a state to leverage this opportunity for mutual benefit.
“This collaboration ensures that cashew production is processed locally, which will enhance our GDP and create significant job opportunities. With six local government areas ideal for cashew production, we are set for a transformative journey,” he said.
Dr. Ojo Joseph Ajanaku, the National President of NCAN, assured Governor Mbah of reliable and timely execution, revealing that the relationship being forged with the state government would optimise its cashew potential, with intentions to revitalise the moribund Premier Cashew Industry Limited at Akama Oghe.
“We believe establishing this Domestic Export Warehouse will help aggregate farmers’ produce, encourage increased farming, and simplify processes for our domestic processors. We are confident this collaboration will help us achieve our objectives. There are plans to advance further from this initiative.
“We appreciate this opportunity and promise we will not let you down. We are committed to fulfilling our responsibilities, drawing on our extensive experience in the sector,” Dr. Ajanaku stated.