As part of deliberate effort geared towards the diversification of the economy to non-oil sector, the Federal Government has kicked off $100 million agro industrial estate in Edo State.
The Integrated Produce City Limited, an agro industrial estate project championed by Pat Utomi, a political economist, would entail the combination of industrial park, farm settlement and commodities exchange.
The project, with between 18 and 24 months completion deadline, would generate about 10,000 direct jobs.
Vice President Yemi Osibanjo, who performed the groundbreaking ceremony at Ugbokun community in Ovia North East Local Government Area of the state, assured the investors of more government incentives to ensure the success of the project.
Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole, who performed the ceremony on behalf of the Vice President, urged members of the community to take ownership of the project to ensure its success from the construction to the full operation stage.
Osibanjo said the agro industrial estate would not only accelerate economic development of the community, provision of employment opportunities to its citizens, but also would increase the Gross Domestic Product of the state.
“On our part, we want to assure you that every support that you need, if it is in line with our own self-interest, we will provide it. For now, our altitude is to provide all the incentives that the government can provide both at the federal and state level.
The one by the state you can take it for granted and the one by the federal you know Mr. President is very keen and committed to agriculture, because he ordered Nigerians to return to farm and for that I believe he would not hesitate to take the necessary action.
