SEDC targets 4,000 hectares for agro-mechanisation in Enugu

Vice President Kashim Shettima, yesterday, hailed President Bola Tinubu for establishing regional development commissions across the country, describing the initiative as a bold demonstration of visionary leadership aimed at unlocking the economic potential of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
 
He, however, stressed that the success of the commissions would ultimately be measured not by their existence but by their ability to deliver tangible development outcomes, urging the South West Development Commission (SWDC) to prioritise innovation, collaboration, transparency and measurable impact.
 
Shettima spoke at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, while receiving the board and management of the SWDC, led by its Chairman, Olubunmi Adetunmbi, on a courtesy visit.
 
According to the Vice President, the creation of the regional development commissions reflects Tinubu’s determination to harness the comparative advantages of every region in pursuit of national prosperity.
 
“We must commend the President for the foresight and directional leadership behind the establishment of these regional development commissions. The vision is to unlock and harness the unique strengths and opportunities within each region for Nigeria’s collective prosperity,” he said.
 
He noted that the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda goes beyond policy formulation, stressing that its true test lies in translating government programmes into visible improvements in the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
 
Charging the commission to focus on performance rather than bureaucracy, Shettima said the South-West, renowned for its history of enterprise, innovation, education and industry, must become a model of regional development.
 
“The South-West has a pivotal role in Nigeria’s development journey. Your commission must be known for delivery, not bureaucracy. Nigerians will judge your success by the quality of roads built, jobs created, businesses supported, and communities transformed,” he stated.
 
The Vice President emphasised that sustained collaboration among federal and state governments, traditional institutions, development partners and the private sector would be critical to the commission’s success.

Earlier, Chairman of the SWDC Board, Adetunmbi, praised the Tinubu administration for its economic and structural reforms, describing the establishment of the regional development commissions as a landmark initiative that would accelerate balanced national development.
 
He also commended Shettima’s leadership of the National Economic Council (NEC), saying the council had strengthened cooperation among the states and facilitated the execution of impactful development projects across the country.

Meanwhile, the South East Development Commission (SEDC), yesterday, said it has identified about 4,000 hectares of land in Enugu State for its proposed agro-mechanisation programme aimed at boosting food production, commercial agriculture and youth empowerment.

The development follows the successful conclusion of community stakeholder engagements across the state’s three senatorial districts ahead of the official flag-off of the initiative.
 
The Executive Director, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Cliff Ogbede, disclosed this after leading a team on site assessment visits to determine the suitability of the proposed locations.
 
In a statement, Ogbede said the team inspected approximately 2,000 hectares of land in Nkpologwu, Uzo-Uwani Local Council Area, in Enugu North Senatorial District, and another 2,000 hectares in Elugwu Akwu-Achi, Oji River Local Council Area, in Enugu West Senatorial District.
 
He confirmed that community reception of the commission’s proposed Agro-Mechanisation projects is highly favourable.