Olam Agri has secured 99.99 hectares in Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State, for an animal feed plant aimed at reducing the South-South and South-East’s dependence on supplies from the South-West.

The Delta State Government presented the Certificate of Occupancy at Government House, Asaba, on Wednesday.

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori said the investment would create jobs and support agricultural development and reflected the administration’s commitment to attracting investors.

“This occasion reflects our commitment to following due process in all our dealings,” Oborevwori said. “We are determined to create an enabling environment for investors to thrive and for businesses to grow.”

Managing Director Amit Agarwal said the company chose the regions for its next facility because of the supply gap, having already operated plants in the South-West but wanting to bring production closer to customers.

Agarwal thanked the state government for supporting the investment and said the company looked forward to working with the government, the traditional institution and the host community.

Oborevwori commended the traditional institution and other stakeholders for helping to maintain peace needed for investments.

The Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, Obi Ifechukwudi Okonjo II, urged Olam Agri to ensure that residents of the host community benefited from the project through employment, internship placements, skills development and technology transfer opportunities.

The proposed facility is expected to strengthen the local poultry and livestock value chain by cutting logistics costs and improving feed availability for farmers in the two regions.

Delta State said the project aligns with its agenda to expand agricultural productivity and attract private-sector-led industrial investments.