Gov. Owelle Rochas Okorocha has applauded the initiatives of Roche
Group in reviving and repositioning Imo Palm Plantation to a
profitable venture.
The governor who barred his mind shortly after he was conducted round
the plantation, milling plant and about 85,000 improved palm seedling imported from Cuba by Roche Group, said recent positive development in
the establishment under the new management has justified the decision
of his administration to concession Imo Palm Plantation to the Irish
company which in a swoop earned the state government about 3.5 billion
Naira.
Gov. Okorocha directed the management of Roche Group to give 5% of the
profit to the landlord communities in line with the concepts of the
community government.
He reaffirmed the commitment of his administration give priority to
agriculture towards making Imo self-reliant with a booming economy and
massive job opportunities.
Gov. Okorocha lamented on the massive fraud and embezzlement in Imo
Palm Plantation under the previous administration which left the
establishment in a debt profile of over 1billion Naira.
The governor who expressed worrisome over the embezzlement of about
450 million Naira deposited for Palm products not yet supplied and 750
million Naira salaries and allowances owed to workers before the
present administration came on board, said while government plans
towards addressing the problem, it would also consider inviting the
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to bring all involved
in the corrupt deals to face the full wrath of the law.
Gov. Okorocha, however, urged the management of Roche to focus more on
job creation in its operations to ensure that not less than 3000 new
job opportunities are created in the establishment.
Earlier, the Managing Director of Imo Palm Plantation, Neil Danby said
the management has introduced several innovations to revive and
reposition the establishment for optimal productivity.
He added that machines with modern technology in agro-business have
been imported and put into use which are expected to increase the
output in Imo Palm Plantation in the nearest future.
Danby further disclosed the delivery of the 85,000 improved seedling
from Cuba and that modern milling plant that will soon be installed
for enhance productivity.
