By OKECHUKWU KESHI UKEGBU

It has been cheering news for Abia agricultural sector. God willing and other things being equal, the moribund Ulonna Farm Settlement will rebound in the months ahead.

Gov Okezie Ikpeazu has endorsed a proposal by Ohuhu Development Foundation to revive the ailing settlement. The settlement, a legacy of late Dr Michael Okpara’s administration in the defunct Eastern Region, is located in Umuahia North.

The driving principle was to fast-track development in the region via agriculture, which was the mainstay of the region’s economy. This could have boosted employment opportunities in the areas the settlement is located. The settlement was established essentially as palm plantation.

Thank God that the original thoughts for which the plantation was conceived would soon be reactivated as the moribund facility would soon bounce back.

The governor has given strong assurance that his government is ready to spare no efforts to collaborate with Ohuhu Development Foundation to ensure that the settlement is revitalised.

This assurance was given during a meeting between the governor and the prospective investors of the settlement.

Ikpeazu has also directed the state Commissioner of Agriculture, Prof Ikechi Mgbeoji, to begin discussions with Ohuhu Development Foundation and other relevant bodies to design a workable plan for the take-off of the project.

When Ulonna Farm Settlement eventually rebounds, according to the proposal by Ohuhu Development Foundation, it will be upgraded to a modern agricultural business.

•Okechukwu Keshi Ukegbu, a public policy analyst, writes from Aba, via keshiafrica@gmail.com

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