By Stella Okpalaeze
The Anambra State Government has commenced plans to revitalise the Omasi Farm Settlement in Ayamelum Local Government Area as part of efforts to boost agricultural production and attract credible investment to the area. The initiative was disclosed during a stakeholders’ engagement with the Omasi community on Wednesday, Sept. 23, by a high-level government delegation led by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Ben Odoemena.
The delegation comprised commissioners and senior officials from the Ministries of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Budget and Economic Planning, Environment, Culture and Tourism, as well as representatives of the Ministry of Lands, Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency (ANSIPPA), the Surveyor-General and other relevant government agencies. The engagement began with a traditional reception by the Omasi community, including the presentation and breaking of kolanut.
In his welcome address, the traditional ruler of Omasi, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Dr. Ben Okeji, expressed the community’s readiness to welcome credible investors and development initiatives capable of improving the socio-economic wellbeing of the area. Igwe Okeji commended the State Government for its interest in the development of Omasi and appreciated Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo for his administration’s attention to the community.
The Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Ben Chuks Odoemena said agriculture remained central to community development, stressing the need to industrialise agricultural production and attract certified investors capable of bringing capital, technology and modern farming practices to Omasi. Dr. Odoemena disclosed that Earthwheell Farms Global Limited, an investor partnering with the State Government, would soon commence the revitalisation of the Omasi Farm Settlement.
He explained that the investment would focus particularly on rice production, with plans to promote year-round cultivation through improved farming techniques, irrigation, mechanisation and other modern agricultural methods. According to him, the proposed development would also cover other aspects of the agricultural value chain, including the establishment of rice mills, improved market access and rural road infrastructure to support production, processing and distribution.
The commissioner added that the arrival of investors would create employment opportunities for youths and open up economic prospects for farmers, processors, transporters, traders and other stakeholders within the agricultural value chain.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr. Chukwukadibia Okoye said the state government’s development strategy was anchored on a bottom-up approach, emphasising that the benefits of government programmes and investments should reach communities at the grassroots.
The Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Clem Aguiyi on the other hand described Omasi as an agrarian community with significant agricultural potential, noting that the resources of the area could support increased economic activity if properly harnessed. He also called for the establishment of an Omasi Community Environmental Assessment Committee to collaborate with relevant authorities on environmental matters.
The Caretaker President-General of Omasi Community, Dr. Emeka Nwajiani, urged both the community and government to maintain openness and mutual understanding throughout the development process.
Responding, Igwe Okeji thanked the state government for its efforts and assured the delegation of the community’s cooperation in the implementation of the proposed development. The traditional ruler disclosed that the community would constitute a five-member committee to liaise with the State Government and facilitate discussions on the development and management of the Omasi Farm Settlement.
The engagement attracted more than 150 participants, including community leaders, youths, women and other stakeholders, and ended with a group photograph involving government officials and members of the Omasi community. The meeting underscored the commitment of the government and Omasi community to working together to unlock the area’s agricultural potential, attract investment and create sustainable economic opportunities for present and future generations.
Stella Okpalaeze is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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