Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori has inaugurated a 10-metric tonnes per hour oil palm processing mill at Akwukwu-Igbo in Oshimili North Local Government Area of the state.
Oborevwori stated that the inauguration of the plant at Norsworthy Farms and Agro Allied Industries would be a great addition to the local economy and an excellent example of a public-private partnership.
He said, “It is my pleasure to be here today to inaugurate this ultra-modern palm oil processing plant, which is a great addition to our local economy and an excellent example of public-private partnership.
“It is a glorious opportunity for us to maximise our comparative advantage in oil palm production and transformation of the agricultural landscape of the state.
“I salute the courage and industry of Engr Gabriel Ogbechie, an outstanding businessman and Chairman of Norsworthy Farms Limited.
“Dr Ogbechie is an exemplary Deltan who has demonstrated his love and commitment to the economic development of the state through massive investments and the creation of job opportunities for our people.
“Aside this multi-billion naira farm, his investments in RainOil petrol stations are found in every nook and crannies of the state.’’
“Another reason we are having problems with foreign exchange is because we are always importing; so, by the time we start exporting, the value of the dollar will start coming down.
“Our administration is determined to boost food security by encouraging farmers with already-made markets for their products and make agricultural farm produce exportable for value addition.”
The governor urged other successful businessmen of Delta State extraction to emulate Gabriel Ogbechie in investing in the state’s economy by channelling their investments home, saying, “No matter where your investments are, home is the best.”
Immediate past governor of the state, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, while congratulating Norsworthy Farms, urged other wealthy citizens to invest in palm oil production.
Okowa, who expressed regret at the importation of palm oil in the country, appreciated the communities who donated land for the farm.
He said the out growers’ scheme would improve the economy of the local communities around and urged them to key into the project.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of Norsworthy Farms and Agro-Allied Industries, Dr Gabriel Ogbechie, said Nigeria had transitioned from being a net exporter to net importer of palm oil.
