In his bid to turnaround the economy of the council area, the Mayor, Umunneochi Local Government Area, Mazi Sunny Afurobi, has received a group of investors ready to explore investment opportunities in the council.
Addressing the investors, TSTC Asia Ltd. (Hong Kong) and Canary Foods Nigeria Ltd., at Agu Umuobasi, Mbala as part of the investment tour, Mazi Afurobi assured potential investors of his administration’s resolve to collaborate with them in making such investments a reality.
While advocating for greater investment opportunities in the agricultural sector for the people of Umunneochi, the Mayor emphasized that his administration is focused and committed to programmes capable of creating employment opportunities and improving the economic well-being of the people.
He pointed out that Umunneochi is blessed with vast expanses of arable land, and other natural resources that can positively impact agricultural production and called on communities across the Local Government Area to be willing to release their lands for genuine investment opportunities with clear Memoranda of Understanding.
The Umunneochi Council Boss who revealed that he discouraged the leasing of the Abia Cashew Plantation at Umuobasi, said he preferred that it be handed over to credible investors who would explore the best ways to revitalize the nine-mile stretch of the cashew plantation.
Mazi Afurobi expressed confidence that the project would eventually materialize, adding that the establishment of a cashew processing facility in Umunneochi would significantly increase the value chain and create additional economic opportunities.
“When our cashew is processed right here in Umunneochi, it will increase the value chain, boost trade and commerce, generate revenue for the society, attract other investors, and create more employment opportunities for our people.
“Instead of allowing our raw agricultural products to leave the community for processing elsewhere, we can build an economy where value is created right here at home. Hence, my advocacy for the establishment of cashew processing facilities here in Umunneochi. This will bring opportunities for our youths, create jobs for our people, and attract more businesses and investors into Umunneochi,” the Mayor pointed out
The Mayor further stated that his vision is to transform livestock and cash-crop agriculture in Umunneochi from subsistence farming into a commercially viable hub and a sustainable source of wealth, employment and community development, with other agricultural ancillary businesses supporting the process.
He regretted the lack of access roads into the Abia Cashew Plantation, Umuobasi, partially affected the total physical inspection of the farm and assured that his administration would explore other measures to enable the government and prospective investors properly assess the area and take necessary decisions.
Mazi Afurobi applauded an illustrious son of Umunneochi, High Chief Osita Offor, (the Ultimate Commander) for leading the investors to Umunneochi and urged him to sustain his efforts.
Speaking on behalf of the investors, Mr. Chimezie Okwuokenye said their companies, TSTC Asia Ltd. (Hong Kong) and Canary Foods Nigeria Ltd., were in Umunneochi to explore investment opportunities in the area.
He disclosed that Canary Foods Nigeria Ltd. is handling the Abia Commercial City Project, which is expected to be launched soon in the state.
Mr. Okwuokenye expressed satisfaction with the vast landmass available in Umunneochi, adding that, apart from creating employment opportunities, the companies would also engage in training in agro-based projects.
Contributing, a business partner with TSTC Asia Ltd. (Hong Kong) and Canary Foods Nigeria Ltd., Chief Osita Offor, popularly known as the the Ultimate Commander disclosed that the company is handling the Abia Commercial City Project, valued at millions of dollars, which is expected to commence soon in Abia State.
He explained that the company’s interest in Umunneochi would serve as an extension of its major project, adding that it would bring additional value and development to the Local Government Area through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
Chief Offor applauded the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, and the Mayor of Umunneochi, Mazi Sunny Afurobi, for creating and guaranteeing an enabling environment for businesses and investment opportunities in the state and the Local Government Area.
The visit climaxed with inspections of other locations within the Local Government Area.
