Stakeholders broker peace for execution of $1.4 bn Delfarm-Songhai Farms in Anambra

The stage is set for the execution of the Delfarm-Anambra-Songhai Farms Project at Igbairiam, Anambra East Local Government Area.
The project, estimated to cost one billion, four hundred million dollars ($1.4 bn), will see the Igbariam  community, the land owners, getting  an equity share of five percent of the total cost of investment.
The agreement for the commencement of the project on a 398 hectares of land was reached after the meeting of the representatives of the state government representatives, Delfarm Farms Limited, Songhai and leaders of the community at the palace of the traditional ruler, Igwe Nkelly N. Kelly, on September 22, 2015.

The multi-party project was a follow-up to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed few months ago by Delfarm, headed by Professor Emmanuel Egbogah, Anambra State Government and Rev. Dr. Godfrey Nzamuzo-led Songhai Projects Limited.
In his speech, the commissioner for land, Hon. Afam Mbanefo, pointed out that the project, when completed, will generate thousands of jobs, calling on the youths to cooperate with the investors.
He enjoined the citizens to take advantage of the educational opportunities at the College of Agriculture, Mgbakwu, to be qualified for appointment in the Delfarm - Soghai projects.
Earlier in his address, the Managing Director/Chief Executive of Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency (ANSIPPA), Chief Joe-Billy Ekwunife, disclosed that apart from Delfarm-Anambra-Songhai Project investment valued at $1.4 billion, an agreement has been signed by the state government with Lynden Farms Limited for mechanised poultry estimated to cost $150 million.
Ekwunife stated that the Obiano-led administration will ensure that 75 percent of jobs go to qualified persons of Anambra State origin, urging the youths to cooperate with the contractors.

Mr. Thierry Andre, Songhai Nigeria Coordinator,  said Delfam comprised of three components, namely, Technological Park, Industrial Park (for production) and Service Park to provide residential as well as other human activities. 
He said that Songhai, apart from facilitating production of oil bean, orange juice, pineapple juice, fish, broiler, and egg, among others, it also equips people with skills.
Mr. Pius Ekwulugo, the MD/CEO of Delfarm Projects Limited, thanked the traditional ruler for ensuring peace, assuring that the investors will keep to the terms of the agreement.
He added that Delfarm Songhai would expand its project to other states.
Earlier, the traditional ruler of Igbariam, Igwe Kelly, urged the investors to implement the project according to the agreed terms.

The President-General of Igbariam Progress Union (IPU), Mr. Jude Ikechukwu Orizu, and representatives of  Onosoleze, Ndichie, Ndi Ojiani, Iru na Abo, and youths appreciated government’s interest to develop the area, pledging unalloyed support.

http://www.dailytrust.com.ng/