Nkanu East APC chairmanship candidate Mike Ogbuekwe has commended the SEDC agro-mechanisation project in Nomeh Unateze, highlighting its potential for agriculture, jobs and rural development.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship candidate for Nkanu East Local Government Area, Engr. Mike Ogbuekwe, has commended the South East Development Commission (SEDC) for the flag-off of its agro-mechanisation project in Nomeh Unateze, describing the initiative as an opportunity to expand agricultural productivity and create economic opportunities for rural communities.
Ogbuekwe, a former Special Adviser on Agriculture to Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, spoke at the flag-off ceremony in Nomeh Unateze, one of the communities in Nkanu East Local Government Area.
The SEDC project is the first of 15 agro-mechanisation projects planned across the South-East’s 15 senatorial zones. The commission says the programme is designed to develop pilot farms of between 200 and 300 hectares in each senatorial zone, with a broader target of up to 50,000 hectares for mechanised farming across the region.
Ogbuekwe said the location of the project gave it particular significance for him because of his connection to Nkanu East and his previous involvement in agricultural development initiatives in the state.
He recalled participating in discussions around the conceptualisation of the Farm Estate model during his tenure as Special Adviser on Agriculture, saying the agricultural development approach was subsequently presented as part of discussions involving the SEDC.
According to Ogbuekwe, Governor Mbah encouraged the commission to adopt and implement the model in Enugu State while providing support and partnership as the commission commenced its operations.
The SEDC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mark Okoye, had earlier said the agro-mechanisation programme was designed to address food insecurity and unemployment while stimulating economic activity across the South-East. He said the pilot farms would produce staple crops such as cassava and maize, alongside selected cash crops, with some locations also featuring learning and productivity centres.
Ogbuekwe said the project could contribute to youth empowerment, food production, job creation and rural development, as well as create additional economic opportunities for communities in Nkanu East.
The APC candidate attended the ceremony alongside members and supporters of the Ije Awele Movement, who joined other stakeholders in identifying with the development initiative.
He expressed appreciation for witnessing the commencement of the project in Nomeh Unateze and said he looked forward to seeing the initiative translate into tangible opportunities for residents.
“For me, this was more than just attending another event. It was encouraging to witness an initiative of this scale being launched here in Nkanu East and to see our communities positioned to benefit from regional agricultural development,” Ogbuekwe said.
The SEDC has said the initiative forms part of its broader economic development blueprint for the South-East, with agriculture and mechanised farming identified as areas capable of supporting food production, employment and investment. The commission has also projected that the Nomeh Unateze project could attract between ₦4 billion and ₦5 billion in additional investment to the area.
Ogbuekwe reaffirmed his interest in supporting development programmes focused on agriculture, youth empowerment and expanded economic opportunities at the grassroots.
Visit GMTNewsng for more news stories.
