Oborevwori’s $70m Olam Agri Investment Set to Boost Jobs, Cut Food Costs in Delta

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has performed the ground-breaking ceremony for a $70 million integrated animal feed manufacturing facility by Olam Agri in Ogwashi-Uku, Aniocha South Local Government Area, in a move expected to create jobs, increase farmers’ income and improve food affordability across the state.

The facility, upon completion, will produce 450,000 metric tonnes of poultry feed annually and nearly 100,000 tonnes of aquafeed, serving farmers across the South-South and South-East regions.

The investment is expected to reduce the cost of transporting animal feed from distant production centres, improve local availability and lower poultry and fish production costs, potentially making chicken, eggs and fish more affordable to consumers.

Performing the ground-breaking ceremony, Oborevwori described the project as a major boost to his administration’s industrialisation and agricultural development agenda under the MORE Agenda.

He said the investment, which followed the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit held in August 2026, would address longstanding challenges facing livestock and poultry farmers in the region.

The governor noted that animal feed accounts for between 60 and 80 per cent of livestock and poultry production costs, stressing that local manufacturing would help ease the financial burden on farmers.

He added that the facility would create a dependable market for maize, soybean, cassava and other agricultural products, providing fresh income opportunities for local farmers and strengthening the state’s agricultural value chain.

Oborevwori disclosed that the state government provided approximately 99.99 acres of land for the investment without charging the company for the allocation and paid the necessary compensation to facilitate the project’s take-off.

He assured the company of government support and warned individuals against demanding illegal payments from investors, urging traditional rulers, community leaders and youths to protect the investment.

Earlier, President and Global Head of Integrated Feed and Protein at Olam Agri, Sharad Gupta, said the company’s decision to invest in Delta was informed by the agricultural potential of the South-South and South-East.

He disclosed that Olam Agri would extend its farmer productivity programmes to Delta, particularly in maize and soybean cultivation, while supporting initiatives that improve livelihoods and create opportunities for women and young people.

Also speaking, Senior Vice President and Business Head, Integrated Feed and Protein, Nigeria, Amit Agarwal, said the Ogwashi-Uku facility would significantly expand the company’s existing production capacity in Nigeria.

He disclosed that the company also planned to establish an Aquaculture Centre of Excellence in Delta to develop the Asaba-Warri axis into a major catfish production hub.

Agarwal expressed optimism that the project would be completed within approximately one year, paving the way for the commencement of production.

The Obi of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, HRM Dr Ifeanyichukwu Okonjo, said about 15 multinational and indigenous companies had expressed interest in investing in the kingdom, assuring investors of the traditional institution’s continued cooperation.

The Chairman of Aniocha South Local Government Council, Hon. Jude Chukwunwike, described the investment as a significant development for the local government and Delta State.