Governor Alex Otti Partners Barn Holding Group on Multi-Billion Naira Livestock and Dairy Project to Boost Agriculture, Create 20,000 Jobs in Abia

…as Gov. Otti says it is a “viable step towards agricultural transformation and job creation in the State.”

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has expressed his administration’s readiness to partner with Barn Holding Group, a premiere agribusiness conglomerate, to establish a large-scale livestock and dairy development project in Abia State.

The initiative, which will operate under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement, is designed to create tens of thousands of job opportunities for Abians, generate significant revenue for the state, and strengthen food security. The agribusiness investment, running into billions of naira, marks one of the largest agricultural collaborations in the state’s history.

Speaking on Tuesday, November 4th, in his office during a presentation by the Chief Executive Officer of Barn Holding Group, Engr. Tony Jibuno, Governor Otti described the proposal as a “viable step towards agricultural transformation and job creation in the State.”

Governor Otti commended the team for what he called an “innovative and practical approach” to modern farming, emphasizing that agriculture remains the foundation for Nigeria’s sustainable development.

To fast-track the project’s implementation, Governor Otti announced the constitution of a five-member government team to work with Barn Holding Group in developing the project’s framework, technical plans, and financing options. He underscored the importance of detailed planning and thorough site assessments, noting that the project’s success would depend on precision and execution.

“The devil is always in the details. We must dot all the i’s and cross the t’s and then move to the site location as quickly as possible,” Gov. Otti stated.

He assured that the state government is open to providing land for the project’s expansion, either at Okoko Item, where the promoters initially proposed to start, or in Umunneochi, where suitable land is also available.

“My preference is to expand horizontally or vertically within the same space to ensure operational efficiency, but if Okoko is too remote, we can relocate to Umunneochi,” Gov. Otti said.

The Governor explained that the project aligns with his administration’s vision for modern livestock management and ranching, affirming that open grazing is no longer sustainable. He stated that the initiative would significantly modernize livestock production, improve local food supply, and create vast employment opportunities.

Appreciating Barn Holding Group’s track record in agribusiness innovation, Gov. Otti expressed confidence that the company would replicate similar success stories in Abia, thereby boosting food production and supporting the state’s economic diversification drive.

Earlier in his presentation, the Chief Executive Officer of Barn Holding Group, Engr. Tony Jibuno, said the company is eager to partner with the Abia State Government to develop a multi-billion-naira livestock and dairy project aimed at enhancing food production and job creation.

He disclosed that the initiative would focus on revitalizing the Okoko Livestock Farm, developing a feedlot and abattoir in Umunneochi, and establishing a cattle ranch that would serve as a disease-control and livestock traceability hub for cattle entering the state.

According to him, “the project would serve as a demonstration and training centre to equip local farmers with practical knowledge in modern livestock management and agribusiness practices.”

He further revealed that the project is expected to create over 20,000 jobs, produce 2,000 tonnes of beef annually, and serve as a regional model for modern livestock production.

While appealing to the government to allocate an additional 500 hectares of land around Okoko to ensure the farm’s long-term viability, Jibuno assured that the Abia livestock and dairy project would reduce import dependence and significantly boost local production.

The meeting was attended by key members of the Abia State Executive Council, including the Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Ph.D.; the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbarze; Commissioner for Lands, Hon. Chaka Chukwumerije; Director General/CEO of the PPP and Investment Promotion Office, Mr. Chinedum Chijioke; Special Adviser to the Governor on Lands, Pastor Okorougo Aji; and Principal Secretary and Chief Strategy Officer, Mr. Chi nenye Mba Uzoukwu, among others.