Economy
Gov. Uzodimma eyes agro-industrial growth after Cotonou SAPZ Visit
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Gov. Uzodimma Eyes Agro-Industrial Growth After Cotonou SAPZ Visit
By Hussaini Ibrahim
OWERRI, Imo State, Nigeria — Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to expanding agro-industrial development by replicating successful processing models observed during a working visit to Cotonou, Benin Republic, as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZs) Programme.
Uzodimma disclosed this after accompanying Vice President Kashim Shettima on the visit, where they inspected the Integrated Textile and Agro-processing Facilities at the Glo-Djigbe Industrial Zone (GDIZ). The governor made the remarks in a statement following the working visit.
He said the visit provided an opportunity to study practical approaches to agro-industrialisation that could be adapted to boost value addition, agricultural productivity and economic transformation in Imo State.
“The inspection of the Integrated Textile and Agro-processing Facilities at the Glo-Djigbe Industrial Zone further reinforced my determination to adapt and replicate this successful model across our various agro-processing zones,” Uzodimma said.
The governor noted that Imo State has abundant agricultural produce and fertile arable land, adding that existing agro-processing zones in Okigwe, Ohaji/Egbema, Ngor Okpala and other strategic locations position the state to expand food processing, improve market access and create employment opportunities.
He said strengthening agro-processing infrastructure would enhance value addition, increase farmers’ incomes and improve access to domestic and international markets.
Uzodimma reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to leveraging agriculture as a driver of industrialisation and sustainable economic growth through strategic investments in processing facilities and agricultural value chains.
Daily Hint reports that agro-industrial processing plays a critical role in reducing post-harvest losses, improving food security, creating jobs and strengthening rural economies by increasing the value of agricultural produce before it reaches local and export markets.
