Anambra Government Moves to Revitalise Omasi Farm Settlement, Attract Agricultural Investment
Anambra Government Moves to Revitalise Omasi Farm Settlement, Attract Agricultural Investment
By Stella Okpalaeze
The Anambra State Government has commenced moves to revitalise the Omasi Farm Settlement in Ayamelum Local Government Area, with a high-level government delegation engaging the Omasi community on the proposed development and investment opportunities in the area.
The engagement, held on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, brought together Commissioners and senior officials from various sectors of the State Government, led by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Ben Odoemena.
Other members of the delegation included the Commissioners for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters; Budget and Economic Planning; Environment; Culture and Tourism; representatives of the Ministry of Lands, Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency (ANSIPPA), the Surveyor-General of the State, Permanent Secretaries and officials of the Ministry of Agriculture.
The visit commenced with a traditional reception by the Omasi community, including the presentation and breaking of kolanut. In his welcome address, the traditional ruler of Omasi, His Royal Majesty Igwe Dr. Ben Okeji, expressed the community's readiness to welcome credible investors and initiatives capable of advancing the development of the area.
Igwe Okeji commended the State Government for its interest in developing Omasi and expressed appreciation to the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, for his commitment to the development of the community.
Dr. Ben Odoemena emphasized that agriculture remains fundamental to community development, stressing the need to industrialise agricultural production and attract certified investors to unlock Omasi's agricultural potential while creating meaningful opportunities.
According to him, the State Government is opening up Omasi to credible, State-certified investors who would bring capital, technology and modern agricultural practices to the community. He also disclosed that Earthwheell Farms Global Limited, an investor partnering with the State Government, would soon commence the revitalisation of the Omasi Farm Settlement.
The Commissioner for Agriculture explained that the proposed investment would particularly focus on rice production, with the potential for year-round cultivation through improved farming techniques, irrigation, mechanisation and other modern agricultural practices.
He further noted that the development would extend beyond primary production, with plans for the establishment of rice mills, improved market access, rural road infrastructure and other facilities capable of strengthening the agricultural value chain.
Dr. Ben Odoemena also stated that the arrival of investors would create employment opportunities for young people in the community while providing opportunities for farmers, processors, transporters, traders and other participants in the agricultural value chain.
Speaking on the broader development strategy of the State, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning emphasized the administration's bottom-up approach to development, stressing that the benefits of government programmes and investments must reach communities at the grassroots.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Environment described Omasi as a community blessed with a strong agrarian environment, noting that the area's agricultural potential could support significant economic activity if properly harnessed. He further called for the establishment of an Omasi Community Environmental Assessment Committee to work with relevant authorities in addressing any environmental concerns.
The Caretaker President-General of Omasi Community, Dr. Emeka Nwajiani, called for openness in the relationship between the community and the State Government, stressing the importance of mutual understanding in achieving the objectives of the proposed development.
In his response, Igwe Okeji thanked the State Government for its efforts towards developing Omasi and assured the delegation of the community's willingness to cooperate with the government throughout the process.
The traditional ruler disclosed that the community would constitute a five-member committee to liaise with the State Government and facilitate discussions on the development and management of the Omasi Farm Settlement.
The engagement, which attracted more than 150 participants, including community leaders, youths, women and other stakeholders, ended with a group photograph involving government officials and members of the Omasi community.
The meeting demonstrated the willingness of the community and government to work together towards unlocking Omasi's agricultural potential and creating a sustainable investment environment for the benefit of present and future generations.
#AnambraAgriculture #OmasiFarmSettlement #AgriculturalDevelopment