Anambra state multi-billion-naira Automated Farms shut over flooding

Tired of perennial flooding, the people of Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State have called on the state and federal government to as a matter of urgency, come to their aid, as multi billion naira automated farms shut down.

In a Save-Our-Soul (SOS) message, a community leader, Dr. Patrick Sule Ugboma urged the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to consider the construction or rehabilitation of the Onitsha-Atani-Ossomala-Ogwuikpele-Ase Azaga-Ndoni Road, which is in a deplorable state.

Dr. Ugboma noted that the economically impactful road will link the Ogbaru Local Government Area in Anambra State with their kith and kin in Delta, Imo and Rivers States.

Ogbaru is a local government area of Anambra State that lies along the coastal area, East of the River Niger and arguably the third longest River in sub-sahel.

Dr. Ugboma in his words said; “The agriculture, which is the main stay of the peoples’ economic life has suffered unduly by the neglect of the community by successive state and Federal Governments.

“The Ogbaru people in Anambra, Delta, Rivers and Imo constitute the food basket of these states and the central road connecting the clan, the Onitsha – Atani – Ossomala – Ogwuikpele – Ase azaga – Ndoni road is in total collapse. We therefore presently find it extremely difficult to move our cash crops from the farms to the hinterland”. Ugboma lamented.

He explained that Ogbaru, in generic terms, is a clan of people of identical culture, language and way of life, remarking that the people, who are mainly spread along the coasts of the River Niger and across the four states are mainly farmers and fishermen.

According to Dr. Ugboma, “Ogbaru Local Government in Anambra state with Headquarters in Atani, is the central abode of the Ogbaru people, it is comprised of Fifteen (15) indigenous Communities namely, Odekpe; Ohita; Atani; Akili Ozizor; Ochuche Umuodu; Umuzu; Amiyi; Ogbakuba; Mputu and Umunankwo.

“Others are, Ogwuaniocha; Ossomala; Obeagwe; Akili Ogidi; Ogwuikpele and one non-indigenous community, Okpoko.”

While remarking that the communities are largely agrarian, the community leader, Dr. Ugboma) regretted that although the terrain is very fertile for crop production and fishing, the area is very prone to perennial flooding due to its proximity to the River Niger.

“These perennial flooding has terribly affected farming activities and further impoverished the people. Most of the communities have become inaccessible due to the deplorable state of the only existing road leading to all the communities.

“Furthermore, about a half of these communities have been in total darkness for upwards of ten years in most cases. Ogbaru Local Government has been totally neglected by successive Local, State and Federal Governments despite its food-basket status.

“It is equally noteworthy that Ogbaru hosts the eight viable oil wells in Anambra State which had conferred Oil- producing status of the state. Despite the oil revenue accruable to Anambra State from the Ogbaru Oil Wells, basic infrastructure is nearly non-existent, the few existing ones are in total collapse, while poverty among the people is on continuous, upward rise.”

Dr. Ugboma however expressed worry that a multi-billion naira automated farm (Matucci Farms Limited) located at Agbobo Umuoga Ossomala community has been shut down following the recent flooding that ravaged the farm.

He also said that about 400 workers of the company lost their jobs following the flood disaster, adding that this development has adversely affected the economy of the area in particular, and the state in general.