Abia State government and Barn Holding Group, are partnering to establish a 20,000-job capacity agribusiness project in the state.
The multi-billion-naira Public-Private Partnership project will focus on large-scale livestock farming and dairy development to ensure food security, among others.
The resolution followed a presentation by the chief executive officer of the group, Tony Jibuno, yesterday, to the state governor, Alex Otti, at his Nvosi country home, Isiala Ngwa local government.
In a remark, Otti described the initiative as an innovative and practical approach to modern farming, noting that agriculture remains the foundation of the country’s sustainable development.
He announced that the government would set up a five-member team to work with the group in developing the project’s framework and financing options.
Otti, who pointed at the need to finalise the technical details and the site, stressed that the project’s success would depend on careful planning and proper execution.
“The devil is always in the details. We must dot all the i’s and cross the t’s and then move to the site location as quickly as possible,” he stated.
Arguing that the project aligns with his administration’s push for ranching and modern livestock management as against open grazing, he lauded the group for the proposal.
In the presentation, Jibuno said the initiative is targeted at revitalising the Okoko Item Livestock Farm and developing a feedlot and abattoir at Umunneochi local government.
The chief executive officer said a proposed cattle ranch in the local government would also serve as a disease-control and livestock traceability hub for cattle entering in the state.
He noted that in addition it would be a demonstration and training centre to equip local farmers with practical knowledge in modern livestock management, among others.
