The South East Development Commission (SEDC) is set to flag off the first of its 15 planned agro-mechanisation projects across the five states of the South-East region.
The project, which is expected to take place in Nomeh Unateze community, Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State, is part of the Commission’s broader plan to develop up to 50,000 hectares of farmland for mechanised agriculture across the region.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the SEDC, Mark Okoye, disclosed this during a site assessment and community engagement visit to the area.
Okoye explained that since the establishment of the Commission in 2024, the SEDC had spent its first year conducting extensive studies and developing a regional blueprint covering various sectors of the South-East economy.
He identified agro-mechanisation as a major component of the blueprint, noting that the programme was designed to contribute to addressing food insecurity and unemployment while boosting agricultural productivity across the region.
According to him, the programme will begin with pilot farms of between 200 and 300 hectares in each of the 15 senatorial zones of the South-East.
He said the farms would focus on staple crops such as cassava and maize, as well as selected cash crops, while some locations would also have learning and productivity centres.
Okoye said the visit to Nomeh Unateze was aimed at assessing the proposed site, engaging with the community and ensuring that all necessary arrangements were in place ahead of the commencement of work.
He added that the project was expected to attract significant additional investment to the area, estimating that between ₦4 billion and ₦5 billion in added investment could follow the development.
The SEDC boss also disclosed that the Commission would soon establish an investment agency to mobilise local and diaspora investments for accelerated development across the South-East.
Okoye commended President Bola Tinubu for establishing the SEDC, describing the Commission as an avenue to coordinate development and mobilise resources for the region.
Meanwhile, the Media Aide to the Enugu State Governor and community leader, Uche Anichukwu, described the agro-mechanisation project as a major development opportunity for Enugu State and Nomeh Unateze.
Anichukwu highlighted the Nenwe-Nomeh-Mburubu-Nara road, including its spur to Oduma, as an important infrastructure link that could provide access to markets for agricultural activities arising from the project.
The Chairman of the Nomeh Unateze Town Union Caretaker Committee, Dr. Chukwudi Anyianuka, alongside other community stakeholders, expressed support for the initiative.
Anyianuka said the community was eager to see the project become a reality and pledged to provide the necessary support for its successful implementation.
He also commended what he described as the Commission’s methodical approach to regional development, noting that the SEDC had undertaken studies and developed a masterplan before embarking on major interventions.
Traditional rulers, members of the Nomeh Unateze traditional council and other community leaders were also present during the interactive session.
The agro-mechanisation programme is expected to form part of the SEDC’s broader efforts to strengthen agricultural production, create employment opportunities and improve food security across the South-East.
By Enitan Mudashiru | MUK TV News
