The Southeast Development Commission has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Enugu State Government to commence the implementation of the Southeast Agro Development programme.
The Southeast Agro Development Programme is a regional initiative focused on Agriculture and looks to unlock agricultural productivity, attract private investment, strengthen food security and accelerate inclusive economic growth across the region.
The SEDC in a press release signed by Dr. Cliff Ogbede, Executive Director, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Rural Development outlined the details of the MOU including its deliverables and its implementation plan.
The MOU was sealed in a signing ceremony attended by dignitaries including representatives of the Federal and State Governments, traditional institutions, development partners, financial institutions, the private sector, academia, and community leaders.
Representing the SEDC Chairman, Mark Okoye, the Executive Director, Projects, Hon Toby Okechukwu said the MOU was an important milestone and finally represents some semblance of action after many months of strategic ideation.
“The true measure of our success will not be today’s signatures, photographs, or announcements. The true measure will be what follows after today: the land prepared, the investments attracted, the jobs created, the communities empowered, and the impact felt by ordinary people.” Okechukwu said.
The press release stated that the South East Agro Development Programme is designed to activate underutilized agricultural assets and position agriculture as a catalyst for industrialisation and longterm economic development.
Enugu Govt Ramps up Partnerships Across Sectors
The new MOU with the SEDC adds to a growing list of partnerships entered by the Enugu Government as it works towards urbanisation and fulfilling its target of growing its GDP. The Enugu government partnered with China’s Haier Group to set up a tech manufacturing facility in the heart of the city.
In Aviation, the state entered a partnership with Xejet, a private aviation outfit to launch its state backed airline Enugu Air. Enugu Air recently announced that it will begin direct cargo flights to China by December.
Aside from the recent agriculture themed MOU signed by the Enugu Government. The state also has its own Agro program which looks to leverage technology. The Mbah administration is floating a smart farming initiative with the hope of setting up 260 smart farms in the 260 political wards in the state.
