The Federal Government has commissioned the Integrated OiI Palm Processing Plant in Okwu Ikeduru, Owerri, Imo State on Friday, 13th of April, 2018. The project was commissioned by the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs Prof. Claudius Omoleye Daramola.
The Minister said the mission is part of Federal Government effort to boost food production and promote sustainable development, peace and economic prosperity in the Niger Delta region. The move will also promote an enabling environment for industrialisation by adding value to agricultural commodities, enhancing capacity of farmers, generating employment, increasing farmers’ income and achieving sustainable food security in the region.
The Minister advised the community to guard the huge investments and put them to effective use. He said the people should take ownership and responsibility of the project after commissioning for the betterment of the benefiting community.
The Federal Permanent Secretary, Service Policies and Strategies Office (SPSO) of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Sir. Marcellinus Ndubuisi Osuji, the brain behind the project attributed the success of the lofty project to the people of his community; for their sacrifices in making the dream a reality. He specifically recognised the sacrifice of three (3) members of the community who donated their parcels of lands for establishing the plant.
He further said the oil processing plant will better the lives of the members of the community in the area of job creation and alleviation of the plight of women who struggle to process palm products manually.
The community leader of the people of Uhuehihe Okwu Ikeduru, Dr. Boniface Chidi Iheoha echoed the gratitude of his community to the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and Sir Marcellinus Ndubuisi Osuji for the successful establishment of the oil processing plant,
“We say a very big thank you to the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs for accepting to site this massive project in our community. You have brought smiles to our faces. We also want to celebrate our illustrious son, Sir Marcellinus Ndubuisi Osuji whose vision and resilience made this possible in our time…”
The community leader further appealed to the Federal Government to assist the community in addressing the poor roads in the community, especially the Amaimo Okwu Road that connects the oil plant to the city for easy movement of goods and services.
