Ebonyi State Government has signed a private partnership agreement with the Idams Group of Companies for the revitalization of the Nkaliki Hatchery Farm.
The ceremony which took place at the Cabinet office, Abakaliki witnessed the presence of government officials and representatives of the company.
The memorandum of understanding was signed in respect of revamping, and expanding the integrated farm which houses the hatchery, fish pond and other ancillary business activities in line with government’s desire to boost Agriculture as an alternative source of revenue generation.
Speaking on the occasion, the secretary to the State Government, Professor Bernard Odoh said Ebonyi State Government entered into the partnership agreement to encourage business cooperation with companies eager to invest in the state for the benefit of the people.
Professor Odoh who expressed concern that a couple of MOUs had been signed in the past without implementation expressed optimism that Idams Group of Companies would live up to the terms of the 25 year agreement.
The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Chief Augustine Nwankwegu explained that the partnership agreement would bring about turn around maintenance of the complex and inject new business opportunities for the people.
He listed the expected benefits of the MOU to include providing alternative source of earnings to government and provision of employment opportunities to the unemployed.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mr. Uchenna Orji stated that the event marked the fulfillment of the wishes and aspiration of Ebonyi people in reviving the Moribund Farm Complex.
According to him, the Hatchery Complex which covers about 36 hectares of land with modern facilities was the Ebonyi state’s equity contribution in the investment plan while the company is expected to repair the existing structures, build new ones, and ensure that all the sections of the farm are functional.
The Chief Executive Officer of Idams Group of Companies, Dr. Emmanuel Idam noted that the Company would invest about 6 billion naira, towards the revitalization of the farm stressing that the hatchery was expected to commence full operation in less than one year. [Philip Nweze]
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