Hon. Uche Ben Odunzeh, the gubernatorial candidate for the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Imo State, has unveiled his plans to transform the state’s agricultural sector. His vision includes adopting the Songhai project investment model to enhance agricultural productivity and stimulate economic growth.
Odunzeh’s strategy focuses on strengthening production in areas where Imo State has a comparative advantage in commercial agriculture and establishing better links between production and markets. Additionally, he aims to boost agro-processing activities to increase agricultural yields and generate revenue.
The Songhai project investment model, which involves dedicated and knowledgeable agricultural investors, will create integrated, resource-efficient, multi-enterprise farm facilities. These facilities will offer short-term training opportunities for various commodity farmers, including recent agriculture graduates. The goal is to encourage these graduates to establish their enterprises after gaining practical experience during one to two months of attachment to these farm facilities.
Odunzeh believes that implementing this model will result in job creation, economic growth, and diversification of agricultural production in Imo State. It will also provide valuable skills training, capacity building, value addition, renewable energy utilization, and waste recycling. These initiatives will have a multiplier effect on the local economy and enhance the state’s potential for agricultural exports.
