AGRICULTURE
CHIHOPS AGRO Launches Commercial Palm Oil, PKO Processing Plant in Abia, Targets Pure Production, Job Creation, and Agricultural Revival
— Vows to Become Biggest Exporter of Palm Oil in Nigeria
CHIHOPS AGRO, a subsidiary of Chihops Global Limited and an Abia State–based agro-allied company, has officially opened its doors for the commercial processing of palm oil and palm kernel oil (PKO), marking a significant boost to agro-industrial development in the state.
The palm oil and palm kernel processing plant is strategically located at Umuogogo, Umuimo clan in Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Area of Abia State.
Speaking during the unveiling, the Managing Director of Chihops Agro, Mrs. Anthonia Ukanwoko, disclosed that the decision to invest in palm oil processing was driven by her deep concern over the alarming level of adulteration in palm oil sold in local markets.
According to her,
“Two years ago, I learned that some people usually mix red ink to palm oil and that broke my heart. We started by buying large expanse of land and planted palm trees. We have installed our own mill to process harvested palm fruits all. When you consume our palm oil, you will discover that it’s not mixed with anything.”
Mrs. Ukanwoko explained that with the successful installation of locally fabricated processing machines and the availability of steady power supply, the company is now fully prepared to commence full-scale operations.
“We have finished the installation of the machines. We have steady power supply and by next week we will commence production”, she said.
She further expressed optimism that Chihops Agro would contribute to restoring Nigeria’s lost glory as a former global leader in palm oil export. While lamenting the decline of agriculture in national economic priorities, she emphasized the company’s commitment to reversing that trend.
“Sadly, agriculture has taken the back seat in the Country’s scheme of affairs, but we plan for a turnaround. Besides producing quality palm oil, Chihops will contribute its quota in the reduction of unemployment by employing. Though our permanent staff is not on the high side, but we will create wealth not just for the rural farmers, but for other ad-hoc workers as we expand production.”
Highlighting the economic potential of agriculture in Abia State, Mrs. Ukanwoko stressed that fertile land remains one of the state’s greatest assets, yet commercial agriculture is still underdeveloped when compared to other regions of the country.
“Agriculture is a lucrative enterprise and in Abia State our land is fertile. I’m concerned because in other parts of the country, agro-enterprenuers engage in commercial agriculture, a model of business not yet common in Abia State and that’s why I decided to invest in this area so that we can have more food and gainfully engage our women and youths,” she said.
The Chihops Agro Managing Director, however, regretted that the prevailing harsh economic environment continues to discourage many investors. She appealed to the Abia State Government to extend support to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), particularly those in the agro sector, given their capacity to generate large-scale employment and ensure food security.
She specifically called for government intervention in infrastructure development, noting that operating in a semi-rural area has compelled the company to divert substantial working capital to provide basic amenities such as electricity, potable water, and road grading.
According to her, the government could partner with the company through multiple channels.
“Besides provision of infrastructure, the government can give us grants, and even employ our services as trainers in agro business as we are experts in the field,” she added.
Looking into the future, Mrs. Ukanwoko identified inadequate supply of palm fruits as a potential challenge to sustained production. To address this, she revealed that in addition to the company’s five-hectare plantation of tenera species palm trees, Chihops Agro has entered into a strategic partnership with Ukaibe Multi-Purpose Co-operative Society Limited, which operates across the seventeen local government areas of Abia State.
She explained the model thus:
“We’re partnering with Ukaibe Multi-Purpose Co-operative Society, so that we can have these subsistent farmers working as one group for productivity. We train them modern farming and give them incentive as much as we can and take off products (palm fruits) from them.”
Adding his voice, Mr. Linus Ukanwoko, a Chartered Accountant and Financial Consultant, and husband of the proprietor of Chihops Agro, also appealed to the Abia State Government to prioritize support for agro entrepreneurs, citing the sector’s potential to boost economic growth and enhance security.
He affirmed that the company remains committed to community development and collaboration with government efforts, stating that
“Chihops Agro will definitely contribute in providing employment and development of its host community, Umuogogo, Umuimo. More importantly, it will be an ally to the Abia State government in the development of our rural agricultural communities,” he stated.
The launch of Chihops Agro’s processing plant is widely seen as a positive step toward strengthening Abia State’s agro-industrial base, promoting food safety, empowering rural farmers, and creating sustainable econ
omic opportunities for women and youths.