Aguata Local Government Area has received more than N316 million worth of market infrastructure and processing centers under the Federal Government and International Fund for Agricultural Development (FGN/IFAD) Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), following its profiling earlier this year.
In addition, over N350 million worth of completed and ongoing rice and cassava processing centers have been established across Ogboji, Nawfija, Ndiokpalaeze, and Ufuma communities in Orumba North and South Local Government Areas under the same initiative.
These details emerged during a media tour of the three council areas organized by the Anambra State Coordination Office of the FGN/IFAD VCDP.
Speaking during the inspection, the State Programme Coordinator, Dr. Deborah Onyefulu, described the tour as an impact assessment exercise aimed at evaluating progress and community benefits. Represented by the Knowledge, Management and Communication Officer, Mr. Henry Anagboso, Dr. Onyefulu assured that all processing centers will be fully equipped with modern facilities upon completion. She urged beneficiaries to take ownership of the projects and ensure their proper maintenance for sustainability.
Community leaders, including the President General of Aguluezechukwu Improvement Union, Nze Johnpaul Ezenwaka (represented by Engineer Agozie Ezike), and the Chairman of Bounty Harvest Cooperative Society, Mr. Chibike Ezeokonkwo, commended the FGN/IFAD VCDP for upgrading the Nkwor Market and pledged to ensure strong security for the facilities.
At various project sites in Umueze Isuofia and Ohukabia Nawfija, beneficiaries such as Mrs. Chinyere Udogu and Mrs. Ada Nwokeabia expressed gratitude for the new cassava processing centers, solar dryers, and crèches provided by the program. They confirmed that the facilities were fully funded by the FGN/IFAD VCDP, aside from their ten percent contribution in land and labor.
