Leadership (Abuja)
Valentine Obienyem
18 November 2008
Anambra — Anambra State government has signed a Memoranda of Understanding(MoU) with the United States Agency for International Development(USAID) and Olams Nigeria Ltd for the rehabilitation and revitalisation of the Omor Rice Mill.
Governor Peter Obi signed for the state while the Managing Director, USAID Market Team, Abuja, Dr. Dick Cook ,signed for USAID and the General Manager of Olams, Mr. Regi George, signed for the company.
Speaking at the occasion in the Executive Chambers of the Government House, Governor Obi said the joint venture was aimed at turning the Omor Rice Mill into a major source of Rice Production in sub-Saharan Africa.
He said the government had started mobilising the farmers for the mega-rice project and had instituted a micro-credit scheme to empower the farmers all year round for increased productivity.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Sam Ukiwe, in his introductory remarks, said MOU was part of the measures that would facilitate the transfer of the mill to the state government.
The cook said the partnership would among other things, open up frontiers of business opportunities, create employment, empower the farmers, enhance food security and provide the platform to demonstrate viable public-private partnership.
He commended Governor Obi for his commitment and aspirations to actualise the project.
Omor Rice Mill was abandoned for many years until Governor Obi took it upon himself to get the place revitalised in partnership with experts.
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