Vincent Ujumadu
18 November 2008
Awka — ANAMBRA State government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the United States Agency for International Development, USAID, and Olams Nigeria Ltd for rehabilitation and revitalization 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.
Obi said during the signing ceremony in Awka that the joint venture was aimed at turning the Omor Rice Mill into a major source of Rice Production in the sub-Saharan Africa. The MOU was part of measures to facilitate the transfer of the mill to the state government.
According to him, the state government has started mobilizing the farmers for the mega Rice project and has instituted a micro-credit scheme to empower the farmers all year round to ensure increased yield.
The Managing Director of USAID marketing team, Dr. 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 actualize the project.
The Omor Rice Mill was abandoned for many years until the present administration in the state decided to revitalize it.
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