Sheriff Oborevwori, the Delta State Governor has performed the ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of a $70 million integrated animal feed manufacturing facility by Olam Agri in Ogwashi-Uku, Aniocha South Local Government Area.

The facility, expected to produce 450,000 metric tonnes of poultry feed annually and nearly 100,000 tonnes of aquafeed, will serve farmers across the South-South and South-East regions, while addressing the challenges of high feed costs and inadequate supply.

Speaking at the ceremony, Oborevwori said the investment is a major boost to the state’s industrialisation and agricultural development drive, adding that the investment was a direct outcome of the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit held in August 2026 and another significant milestone in the implementation of his administration’s MORE Agenda.

He noted that the absence of a major animal feed manufacturing facility in the region had remained a major constraint to livestock and poultry production, forcing farmers to depend on supplies from distant locations, particularly the South-West and Middle Belt.

According to him, animal feed accounts for between 60 and 80 per cent of livestock and poultry production costs, making its affordability critical to farmers’ survival and the availability of animal protein. He expressed confidence that the new facility would reduce transportation costs, improve access to feed and ultimately make chicken, eggs and fish more affordable.

The governor added that the project would provide a reliable market for local farmers producing maize, soyabean and other agricultural raw materials, thereby strengthening the agricultural value chain and improving food security.

Oborevwori disclosed that the state government provided approximately 99.99 acres of land for the investment without charging the company for the allocation and also paid the necessary compensation to facilitate the land acquisition and take-off.

The governor assured the company of government support and warned individuals against demanding illegal payments or interfering with the project.

He urged traditional rulers, community leaders and youths to protect the investment and ensure that construction proceeded without disruption.

He also disclosed that the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku had indicated the availability of about 8,000 hectares of land for investment, assuring prospective investors that government would collaborate with the traditional institution to facilitate access to suitable land.

Earlier, Sharad Gupta, President and Global Head of Integrated Feed and Protein at Olam Agri, commended Oborevwori for his personal commitment to the project, saying the company’s decision to establish the facility in Delta was informed by the enormous agricultural potential of the South-South and South-East.