OGWASHI-UKU/Nigeria: Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has taken another step towards strengthening the state’s industrial and agricultural development drive with the groundbreaking ceremony for a $70 million integrated animal feed manufacturing facility by Olam Agri in Ogwashi-Uku, Aniocha South Local Government Area.
The investment, which is expected to produce 450,000 metric tonnes of poultry feed and nearly 100,000 metric tonnes of aquafeed annually, represents a major boost to the Oborevwori administration’s efforts to attract strategic investments, expand the agricultural value chain and create economic opportunities under its MORE Agenda.
Performing the groundbreaking ceremony, Oborevwori described the project as a significant milestone in Delta State’s industrialisation programme, noting that its realisation was connected to the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit held in August 2026.
He said the development demonstrated the administration’s commitment to converting investment discussions and engagements into concrete projects capable of stimulating economic growth and improving the living conditions of residents.
According to the governor, the absence of a major animal feed manufacturing facility in the South-South and South-East regions had created challenges for poultry and fish farmers, who depended largely on supplies transported from other parts of the country.
He expressed confidence that the new facility would address some of these challenges by improving the availability of animal feed, reducing transportation costs and supporting increased production of poultry and fish.
Oborevwori noted that feed accounts for between 60 and 80 per cent of production costs in livestock and poultry farming, stressing that improved access to affordable feed would strengthen farmers’ businesses and contribute to food security.
He also highlighted the project’s potential to stimulate agricultural production through increased demand for locally sourced maize, soybean and other raw materials required for animal feed manufacturing.
The governor explained that the state government had provided approximately 99.99 hectares of land for the investment and paid the necessary compensation to facilitate its acquisition and development.
He assured Olam Agri of the administration’s continued support, reiterating his commitment to maintaining a transparent and investor-friendly environment.
Oborevwori warned against illegal demands for money from investors, insisting that individuals or groups must not exploit companies seeking to establish businesses in the state.
“I have repeatedly told the investors not to give money to anybody in the name of facilitating their project. We do not encourage such practices, and nobody should demand illegal payments from investors,” he said.
He called on traditional rulers, community leaders and youths to support the project and provide a peaceful environment for its successful execution.
The governor attributed Olam Agri’s decision to establish the facility in Ogwashi-Uku partly to improvements in road infrastructure, security and accessibility resulting from his administration’s investments in roads and bridges.
He reaffirmed the government’s determination to expand the state’s economic base through private-sector participation, industrial development and agricultural investment.
Oborevwori also disclosed that the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku had indicated the availability of about 8,000 hectares of land for investment, assuring prospective investors of the government’s readiness to collaborate with traditional institutions in facilitating access to suitable locations.
Earlier, the President and Global Head of Integrated Feed and Protein at Olam Agri, Sharad Gupta, commended the governor for his commitment to attracting the investment to Delta State.
Gupta said the company’s decision was informed by the enormous agricultural potential of the South-South and South-East regions and the opportunities for expanding poultry and aquaculture production.
He disclosed that Olam Agri had operated in Nigeria for about a decade, building relationships with farmers through investments in soybean processing, seed multiplication and improved agricultural practices.
He said the company would extend similar productivity initiatives to Delta State, particularly in maize and soybean cultivation, to support the supply of agricultural raw materials for the new facility.
Gupta identified poultry and aquaculture as important sectors for Nigeria’s food security, expressing the company’s commitment to supporting increased domestic production of chicken, eggs and fish.
He also assured the host communities of sustained engagement and support for initiatives that would improve livelihoods, develop agricultural skills and create opportunities for women and young people.
Providing details of the project, Senior Vice President and Business Head, Integrated Feed and Protein, Nigeria, Amit Agarwal, said Olam Agri currently operates two major facilities in Kaduna and Kwara states.
He disclosed that the existing facilities have a combined annual production capacity of 660,000 tonnes of poultry feed, 150,000 tonnes of aquafeed and 450 million day-old chicks for the broiler industry.
According to him, the Ogwashi-Uku investment would add 450,000 tonnes of poultry feed and nearly 100,000 tonnes of aquafeed to the company’s production capacity.
Agarwal further announced plans to establish an Aquaculture Centre of Excellence in Delta State to support the development of the Asaba-Warri axis as a major catfish production hub for the South-South and South-East.
He said Olam Agri would collaborate with the state government to strengthen local production of maize, soybean, cassava and other agricultural commodities required to sustain the facility.
He expressed optimism that construction would be completed within approximately one year, paving the way for the commencement of production.
In his remarks, the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, HRM Dr Ifeanyichukwu Okonjo, commended the governor for supporting investments in the kingdom, describing the project as an important development for its economic future.
The traditional ruler disclosed that about 15 multinational and indigenous companies had expressed interest in establishing businesses in Ogwashi-Uku.
He assured the governor that the traditional institution would continue to partner with the state government and genuine investors to promote industrial growth, employment and improved livelihoods.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Aniocha South Local Government Council, Hon. Jude Chukwunwike, described the investment as a significant development for the local government and Delta State.
The Ogwashi-Uku project further underscores the Oborevwori administration’s drive to position Delta State as an attractive destination for industrial investment, while strengthening the connection between agriculture, manufacturing, employment generation and economic development.
