The South East Development Commission (SEDC) on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) formalizing a partnership with Abia as a host for the commission’s agro-development program.
The Abia Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze, while speaking at the event that was held in his office in Umuahia, said the journey started in 2025.
He said the commission had inspected and selected the farm locations suitable for the mechanised agriculture, which step led to the legal process which resulted in signing of the MoU on Wednesday.
He also said the collaboration would result in Abia providing the land while the commission would catalyse the agro-life sector investment that would come into the land.
“So, that’s why we are here; the agreements have been drawn up, and we have copies of those agreements, and they have sent across a high-powered delegation, including my dear brother.
“We look forward to a full rollout as soon as possible after this agreement, and on that note, I thank you very much for coming,” Agbaeze said.
The Managing Director of SEDC, Mr. Mark Okoye, said that the signing was important as it reflected a shared understanding that the future Southeast’s desires would happen differently.
Okoye, represented by the Executive Director, Finance, SEDC, Chief Stanley Ohajuruka, said the development of the region would happen through deliberate action, strong partnerships, and commitment to creating a lasting impact.
According to Okoye, the Southeast has always been known for enterprise, hard work, resilience, and farming, which are significant parts of its story.
He said the opportunities before the southe asterners remained enormous, having fertile land and hardworking and resourceful young men and women with energy, ideas, and the desire to succeed.
Okoye stressed that in the midst of all Southeast’s endowments, the SEDC and governments must create the right environment for that potential to be unlocked.
He noted that progress happened when governments, communities, development partners, and the private sector worked together with a common purpose; hence, the partnership.
“Beyond the document we are signing today is a commitment to create opportunities, strengthen communities, and build a future that delivers real value to our people.
“As a commission, we also understand that our work does not end here.
“The true measure of success will be measured by the investments attracted, jobs created, communities empowered, and the impact felt by ordinary people,” he said.
On the sidelines, Okoye told the News Agency of Nigeria that the take-off date for the Abia project wasn’t certain yet as the steering committee that would catalyse it had yet to be formed.
He, however, noted that unlike Enugu whose project would kick off in three weeks, until the steering committee was formed, no date could be decided on for starting the project in Abia.
The SEDC delegation included Mr Mark Okoye, the MD/CEO, represented by Hon, Stanley Ohajuruka (Executive Director, Finance, SEDC) and Dr Cliff Ogbede, Executive Director, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Rural Development (NRARD) SEDC.
Others were Chief Daniel Akwari, Board Member Representing Abia, SEDC; Mr Nnanna Obeta, Head, Legal Services, SEDC; and Mr. Nnamdi Umunnabuike, Technical Assistant to ED NRARD.
