-By Gertrude Onyekachukwu-Uteh:
As part of its commitment to boost the agricultural value chain, Delta State Government has signed Factory Plots Lease Agreement with Jayta Commodities Nigeria Limited.
The signing of the lease agreement which took place in the Office of the Chief Economic Adviser (CEA) to the Governor was coordinated by the Chairman of the Delta State Agro-Industrial Park (DAIP)Implementation Committee and the Chief Job and Wealth Creation Officer, Prof Eric Eboh.
In his remark, Prof Eboh, reiterated the Statement Government’s commitment to the speedy completion of the project, adding that one of its critical components is the dedicated factory plots to be managed by a Private Agro-Investor, Jayta Commodities Nigeria Limited.
According to him, “Under the Land Lease Agreement, Jayta Commodities Nigeria Limited is allotted factory plot area of 7.2 hectares for the building, establishment and operation of integrated oil palm factory complex comprising three components namely palm oil mill, palm kernel crushing plant and effluent treatment system.”
He explained that the allotment of factory plots to Jayta Commodities Limited was approved by the State Executive Council upon recommendation by the DAIPProject Implementation Committee after rigorous due diligence and scrutiny.
He gave the terms and conditions of operation for the allotment to include payment of the minimum deposit fee as commitment to implementing the agreement, commencement of the construction of the factory complex within 6 months of signing the agreement, completion of the construction of the factory,establishment, and commencement of factory operations within 24 months from signing the agreement.
On his part, the CEA to the Governor, Dr Emu pointed out that DAIP is one of the cardinal projects focused on job creation under public private partnership (PPP) to enhance job and wealth creation in the state, describing it as one of the best models in the country.
“This is done in such a way to make businesses to aggregate themselves in the park. We hope you work and adhere strictly to the timelines and rules as spelt out in the agreement. Looking at your pedigree, we pray that your entry will attract many more businesses,” he stated.
Responding, the Managing Director of Jayta Commodities Nig. Ltd, Mr. Emmanuel Onyeweliakuba, expressed optimism that his company will put in their best to help the State Government realize its aims of setting up the project.
“Agricultural value chain as it affects the DAIP is an untapped window. This is not agriculture at a subsistence level. This is agriculture on a commercial level. We are adding value. As we complete this process on behalf of our management, we are moving to site,” he remarked.
Among those who witnessed the signing of the agreement were the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon Isaiah Bozimor Esq; Representative of the Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Ben Agama; Representative of the Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Mr. Emmanuel Ovuzourie; Representative of the Director-General of Delta State Investments Development Agency, Mr. Fred Onojeta; DAIP Project Consultant – Contemporary Design Associates, Arch Kester Ifeadi; Head of Operations of Jayta Commodities Nig. Ltd, Mr. Ken Ushi and theExecutive Assistant, Dr. Solomon Okowa.
The highpoints of the event were the signing of the agreement and the exchange of the signed document between the Chairman, DAIP Implementation Committee, Prof Eric Eboh and the MD, Jayta Commodities Nig, Ltd, Mr. Emmanuel Onyeweliakuba.
