Aaior K. Comfort
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has officially inaugurated the revitalization project for Enugu United Palm Products Limited (EUPPL) at Ibite-Olo, Ezeagu Local Government Area. This event follows a significant N100 billion deal between the Enugu State Government and Pragmatic Palms Limited, which was finalized in May.
During the inauguration on Thursday, Mbah also conducted the groundbreaking ceremony for staff quarters at the plantation. He expressed gratitude to the state’s residents for their support and belief in his vision to rejuvenate the state’s dormant assets.
“This ceremony marks a victory of vision over skepticism,” Mbah stated. “Despite initial doubts about the N100 billion investment, our clear goals and determination are now translating into tangible progress.”
The Governor reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the investment and highlighted the importance of transforming Enugu into a leading destination for industry, tourism, and business.
Prof. George Nwangwu, Managing Director/CEO of Pragmatic Palms Limited (PPL), outlined a five-year plan to position EUPPL as a top player in Nigeria’s oil palm sector. The plan includes:
– *Upstream:* Expanding the planted area from 40% of the 6,700 hectares to 20,000 hectares.
– *Midstream:* Establishing world-class oil mills and enhancing refining capacity to produce various palm oil products.
– *Downstream:* Developing a large network of agents for aggregating fresh fruit bunches.
The revitalization is expected to create 3,500 direct and indirect jobs.
Adaora Chukwu, Commissioner for Trade, Investment, and Industry, noted that EUPPL, initially set up in 1970, had suffered from mismanagement and obsolete equipment but is now poised for a turnaround due to the N100 billion joint venture. This initiative will foster job creation, economic diversification, and technological advancements.
Patrick Ubru, Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialization, emphasized the strategic importance of this partnership for the agricultural sector’s development.
Local communities have praised Mbah for reviving EUPPL after over 40 years of inactivity. Johnmary Anagolu, a community leader from Olo, pledged N50 million to support local infrastructure development.