In a bold move to establish Enugu State as a leading center for agro-industrial innovation, the state government has inked a groundbreaking N100 billion joint venture with Songhai Sustainable Initiative Nigeria and Tribu Limited. This partnership aims to rejuvenate and transform the dormant Heneke Integrated Farm into a premier agro-industrial complex.
The agreement, finalized on Tuesday at the Government House in Enugu, officially launched Enugu Tribu Songhai Farms Ltd, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) tasked with the restoration, expansion, and operational management of the sprawling 10,000-hectare site located in Ezeagu Local Government Area.
During the signing ceremony, Governor Peter Mbah, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, hailed the collaboration as a pivotal milestone in Enugu’s strategic plan to industrialize its agricultural sector.
“This partnership marks a new chapter for the Enugu Songhai Initiative, turning neglected assets into vibrant agro-industrial centers that will enhance food security, promote sustainable development, and foster inclusive economic growth for the people of Enugu,” he remarked.
The governor revealed that the farm, initially launched in 2013 but left unfinished, will be revitalized into a diverse agro-industrial ecosystem. This will encompass crop cultivation, livestock farming, aquaculture, processing facilities, renewable energy installations, and eco-tourism attractions.
He further outlined plans to rehabilitate the entire 10,000 hectares with secured land ownership, establish a 25-hectare training and incubation hub dedicated to empowering youth and women, generate thousands of employment opportunities across agriculture, processing, and export sectors, and champion the adoption of innovative, sustainable farming techniques.
Governor Mbah emphasized that the venture is supported by a strong governance structure designed to guarantee transparency, legal compliance, and safeguard the state’s interests.
Hon. Patrick Ubru, Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation, expressed confidence in the project’s long-term impact and sustainability.
“With abundant land, fertile soil, ample water resources, and a skilled workforce, this initiative is set to create numerous jobs, increase food production, and transform public perception of agriculture,” he stated.
“The project integrates crop farming, animal husbandry, aquaculture, processing, export, and eco-tourism, driven collaboratively by the community, private sector, and government,” he added.
Ubru highlighted that this partnership aligns with the governor’s vision to position Enugu as Nigeria’s foremost food production hub, achieving self-reliance while attracting international investment.
“An infusion of N100 billion in capital and expertise will propel Enugu to the forefront of modern agribusiness, ensuring food security and economic diversification,” he affirmed.
Prof. Godfrey Nzamujo, Director of Songhai Sustainable Initiative, committed the organization’s technical expertise to the project, describing it as a model of strategic agriculture.
“Our goal is to maximize output efficiently by integrating crop cultivation, livestock, aquaculture, renewable energy, and human capital development. Success depends on our collective dedication,” he explained.
He encouraged young people to view agriculture as a viable and rewarding career path, urging them to capitalize on the opportunities this venture offers.
Ozor Silas Nnamdi, CEO of Tribu Limited and project financier, emphasized that the farm will not only revolutionize agriculture but also become a flagship destination for eco- and agro-tourism.
“We aim to establish one of Africa’s premier Songhai resorts. It is unacceptable that Nigeria continues to import staple foods. This project demonstrates our capacity to rewrite that story,” he concluded.
