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Oborevwori inspects major farms, promises power lines, roads, and fertilizers for genuine agricultural businesses

WARRI, Nigeria – Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting genuine farmers and private investors through infrastructure development, improved power supply, and other incentives aimed at diversifying the economy and creating jobs.

Speaking Saturday during inspections of Tatcha Farms in Okuloho, Okpe Local Government Area, and Amity Global Farms and Manroy Livestock Farms at Ohorhe 1, Uvwie Local Government Area, the governor clarified that government support would focus on providing an enabling environment rather than direct funding.

“Our support for businesses will not necessarily be through direct funding, but by providing the infrastructure and enabling environment required for enterprises to thrive,” Oborevwori said.

The governor noted that the state’s recent Economic and Investment Summit was designed to showcase investment opportunities, particularly in agriculture, and attract both local and international investors. He added that his economic team had been directed to inspect farms across the state to understand their challenges and assess expansion potential.

Oborevwori disclosed that a 33kV electricity line has been awarded, assuring that the project would improve power supply to farms and other businesses in the area. He also said ongoing road projects would improve access to farming communities and markets, and promised to construct an access road linking the Warri-Sapele Expressway to the community hosting Amity Global Farms.

The governor emphasized that agricultural support would also benefit small-scale farmers, with priority given to genuine operators. Fertilizer and other inputs would be distributed to legitimate farmers, and he warned against resale of subsidized items.

Encouraging civil servants and residents to engage in farming, Oborevwori said agriculture could create jobs, improve food security, and reduce crime in the state.

At Tatcha Farms, CEO Olorogun Alfred Mrakpor thanked the governor for the visit, saying it provided an opportunity to showcase the farm’s contributions to food security, job creation, and agricultural development.

Meanwhile, at Amity Global Farms, Managing Director and CEO Idama Amurun revealed that the company is exploring partnerships with Brazilian investors and the state government to expand cassava production and establish processing industries. Amurun said cassava could be processed into industrial starch, ethanol, and other products, creating substantial employment opportunities.

The farm currently employs over 300 workers and cultivates crops including pepper and cucumber. However, Amurun identified inadequate financing, delays in day-old chick supply, facility constraints, accommodation issues, and access to land as major challenges limiting expansion.