The Delta Government has signed a $20 million Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Norsworthy Investment, a private firm, for the cultivation of 3,000 acres of oil palm and processing plant project.
The project which would be sited at Akwukwu-Igbo in Oshimili North Local Government Area of the state, was signed in Asaba on Thursday by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Festus Agas.
Agas reiterated the commitment of the state government to provide the needed support for investment towards developing every sector of the state economy.
“Upon the inception of this present administration in the state, Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa, expressed his commitment to create an enabling environment for investement to thrive.
“The governor is committed to creating jobs and as such ensure a massive investment drive to grow our economy.”
He pointed out that Okowa’s administration placed priority on agriculture, saying that agriculture remains the mainstay of the state economy.
He lauded the management of Norsworthy Investment for its interest in developing the state, assuring the firm that the state government would provide every necessary support to make the project a success.
“In my opinion, I think this is most strategic MoU we have signed with a private firm so far.
“I want to say here that it is a laudable move that will not only create jobs, but also bring development to the area.”
He called on other investors both local and foreign to emulate Norsworthy and take advantage of the enabling investment environment in the state to help grow the state economy.
Chairman of Norsworthy Investment Limited, Dr Gabriel Ogbechie, expressed the determination of the company to contribute its quota in the development of Delta.
Ogbechie said: “We are very passionate when it comes to investment, not only in Delta but elsewhere because investment brings development to the people and grows the economy of its area of operation.
“I want to commend Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa for his vision and commitment to bring development to the state, and we are ready to bring our own contribution to growing the Delta economy.”
Ogbechie, who is also the chairman of Rainoil Nigeria Limited, a leading player in the nation’s petroleum industry, said Nigeria was blessed with veritable agricultural land that should be utilised to improve the fortunes of the nation.
(NAN)
