By Isaac Mission
The South East Development Commission (SEDC) has announced plans to establish 15 agromechanisation projects across the five states of the South-East, with the initiative designed to boost agricultural production, create jobs and revive the region’s agro-industrial economy.
The projects will be distributed across the three senatorial districts in each of Enugu, Abia, Imo, Anambra and Ebonyi states. Enugu State will host the first phase of the programme.
The commission disclosed this during a community engagement meeting at Nomeh in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State, where stakeholders discussed the proposed Nomeh Agromechanisation Project.
Speaking on behalf of the Executive Director of Natural Resources, Agriculture and Rural Development at the SEDC, Dr Clifford Ogbede, his Technical Adviser, Dr Chris Uwadoka, said the initiative was conceived as part of efforts to restore agriculture to the centre of economic development in the South-East.
According to him, agriculture played a major role in the economic success recorded by the former Eastern Region under the leadership of the late Premier, Dr Michael Okpara.
He explained that the SEDC’s strategy was to modernise farming through improved agricultural practices, mechanisation, better seeds and access to technical expertise.
The initiative, he added, would create both direct and indirect employment while opening opportunities for agricultural businesses and encouraging young people to return to farming.
Uwadoka said the projects were also expected to attract domestic and international investors, including members of the South-East diaspora interested in contributing to the region’s economic development.
In Enugu, two additional locations have been identified for the programme: Elugwu Akwu in Oji River Local Government Area, representing Enugu West Senatorial District, and Nkpologwu in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area, representing Enugu North.
He said the choice of Nomeh was made by Governor Peter Mbah, who had previously developed an agricultural blueprint for the state.
The SEDC official said the project would introduce improved seeds, modern farming techniques, agricultural specialists and agro-entrepreneurs to the host communities, while providing support for existing farmers.
He also addressed concerns that the programme could be connected to the acquisition of agricultural land for cattle grazing, describing such claims as unfounded.
“This is an entirely South-East initiative designed for the benefit of the region and, ultimately, the country,” he said.
The Enugu State Liaison Officer to the SEDC, Chief Edeani Edeani, said the agricultural programme could also contribute to reducing insecurity by creating productive opportunities for young people.
He noted that large-scale agricultural activities would help put available land to productive use while providing employment and economic opportunities for youths.
Community stakeholders welcomed the proposed project.
A community leader and Senior Special Assistant to Governor Mbah on Media, Uche Anichukwu, expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the legislation establishing the SEDC on July 24, 2024.
Anichukwu also commended the commission’s Managing Director, Mark Okoye, and his team for making agriculture a major component of their regional development strategy.
He said the selection of Nomeh as one of the pilot locations was a significant opportunity for the community.
The traditional ruler of Nomeh Unateze, HRH Igwe Israel Okonkwo Mbah, represented by his traditional prime minister, Chief Daniel Anikpuma, also welcomed the initiative.
He recalled that Nomeh was once a vibrant railway and agricultural centre, with companies such as UAC and Leventis operating in the area before the Civil War disrupted economic activities.
He expressed optimism that the new mechanised farming project would help restore the community’s economic fortunes.
The Nomeh town union, represented by Engr. Uchenna Anyanwu, pledged its cooperation and promised to support the security and smooth implementation of the project.
Another community leader, Mrs Veronica Onwude, said the initiative had renewed optimism among residents, particularly women, youths and farmers who stand to benefit from new employment and business opportunities.
The SEDC said the broader agromechanisation programme is intended to make agriculture more productive, commercially viable and attractive to a new generation of South-East farmers.
