NEPC Visits Udenu Cashew Processing Plant, Promises Revival of Abandoned Facility

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The Udenu Local Government Council, today, hosted a high-powered delegation from the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) at the Udenu Cashew Processing Plant, Obollo Afor, as part of efforts to revive the moribund facility and boost the Local Area’s agro-export potential.

The delegation, led by the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of NEPC, Mrs. Nonye Ayeni, arrived at the Plant at approximately 12:30 PM. They were received by the Chairman of Udenu Local Government Council, represented by the Secretary to the Local Government, Mr. Chika Aroh, alongside a large gathering of members from the Udenu Cashew Women Dealers Association.

The purpose of the visit was to assess the feasibility of rehabilitating the cashew processing facility, which, some years ago, had been fully equipped by the Council but was later vandalized and looted by unknown miscreants, leaving the structure empty and non-functional.

This strategic engagement is aligned with the Aka Eze Aka administration’s broader development agenda, which aims to harness the economic potential of Udenu by transforming it into a hub for agro-based exports, particularly in cashew processing and value addition.

Despite expressing disappointment over the looted state of the facility, the NEPC delegation reaffirmed its determination to reviving the plant. Various speakers at the event proposed actionable solutions to restore and upgrade the facility to modern standards.

Among the dignitaries present were Mr. Arnold Jackson, Executive Director of NEPC’s Social/Corporate Department, and Mrs. Ramatu Abraham, South East Regional Coordinator of the Nigeria Export-Import (NEXIM) Bank, among others.

In his remarks, Mr. Chika Aroh assured the delegation that the Government and people of Udenu are now better positioned to protect and ensure the judicious use of the facility once re-equipped and operations resume.

It will be recalled that the Chairman Aka Eze Aka had previously launched a renewed drive to reactivate the plant, which has the capacity to place Udenu on the global map as a major cashew export player. Yesterday’s visit marked a huge boost toward realizing that vision.

The visit concluded with a cultural performance by the renowned Okokobioko dance group and a round of refreshments for the Guests.

Note:
NEPC is the apex government institution in Nigeria responsible for the promotion, development, and diversification of non-oil exports. Established in 1976, the Council provides support and tools to Nigerian entrepreneurs, including women entrepreneurs through initiatives like SheTrades, to help them penetrate global markets and increase economic empowerment. 

© AkaEzeAka Media Team.