By Christopher Ononukwe
As part of the efforts of the Government of Shared Prosperity towards boosting agricultural and development in the state, Imo State Government has secured approval for the Onitsha-Port Harcourt Corridor Market. This significant achievement was announced during the ongoing workshop on agri-food market development study under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), sponsored by the French Development Agency (AFD). The workshop is being held at the NAF Conference Centre, Abuja.
This milestone is attributed to the relentless efforts of the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, whose visionary leadership and commitment to development have been instrumental in securing this approval. The market is expected to serve as a hub for agricultural trade, connecting farmers, traders, and consumers across the South-East and South-South regions.
The high-powered delegation from Imo State was led by the Honourable Commissioner for Rural Development and Economic Empowerment, Sir Ifeanyi D. Oruh JP. The delegation included key stakeholders and commissioners from various ministries, demonstrating the state’s commitment to agricultural and economic growth. Among the delegates were Hon. (Chief) Cosmas Maduba, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security; Hon. (Barr.) Rex Anunobi, Commissioner for Commerce, Trade, and Investment; and Hon. (Barr.) Enyinna Onuegbu, Commissioner for Lands, Survey, and Physical Planning. Also in attendance were officials from Imo RAAMP and representatives from the aforementioned ministries.
The workshop aims at assessing the progress and development of three major agricultural markets along key economic corridors in Nigeria: the Kano-Kaduna Corridor, the Lagos-Ibadan Corridor, and the Onitsha-Port Harcourt Corridor. These markets are expected to enhance agri-food trade, improve rural access, and stimulate economic growth in their respective regions.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Ifeanyi D. Oruh expressed gratitude to the RAAMP Coordinator and AFD Representative for their support and emphasized the importance of the project to Imo State’s economic transformation. He stated, “The establishment of the Onitsha-Port Harcourt Corridor Market in Imo State is a clear proof of the unwavering commitment of His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma, to development. The full presence of the Imo State team here today justifies our seriousness and commitment to the speedy establishment of this project. This market will not only boost agricultural productivity but also create jobs and improve the livelihoods of our people.”
The approval of the market has been met with widespread celebration among the people of Imo State, who see it as a significant step towards achieving food security, reducing post-harvest losses, and enhancing the state’s position as a key player in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
The workshop also provided an opportunity for the Imo State delegation to share insights on the state’s progress in rural development and agricultural marketing as well as to collaborate with other states and stakeholders on best practices for agri-food market development. Also in attendance were the National Coordinator of FPMU and his team, representatives from other federal ministries, and Mrs. Salli, the AFD representative. Others were stakeholders and government representatives from the two other corridors of Kano and Oyo states.
As the workshop continues, the Imo State delegation remains focused on leveraging this opportunity to attract further investments and partnerships that will drive sustainable development in the state.
Christopher Ononukwe Reporting Live
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