As part of its efforts to sustain concrete measures to diversify the economy, the Federal Government on Monday kicked off a $100 million agro industrial estate in Edo State.
The agro industrial estate also known as the Integrated Produce City Limited, will entail the combination of industrial park, farm settlement and commodities exchange.
The project, which will last between 18 and 24 months and will generate about 10,000 direct jobs, was initiated by a political economist, Pat Utomi.
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.
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.”
“You can count on us because you have just delivered on one of the key primary purposes of government to keep the citizens busy, create prosperity and spread happiness to community so that the people will now have the basis to be loyal to their motherland.”
“For the community, this is your project and you must defend it the way you defend your kingdom, because it will provide jobs for you, create prosperity and expose you to the large society as people within and outside the state will be here to do one or two business activities,” he said.
Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole, who performed the ceremony on behalf of the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, urged members of the community to take ownership of the project to ensure its success from the construction to the full operation stage.
