By Gabriel Ewepu

ABUJA – THE Federal Government, has disclosed plans to revive the abandoned 3,000-stock capacity Okpuje Pig and Progeny Centre sitting in a 26.2 hectares of land after 43 years it was established.

The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, who was on an inspection tour of major livestock facilities in Enugu State, made the declaration in a statement signed by the Head, Press and Public Relations, Oghenekevwe Uchechukwu.

Maiha also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to reviving dormant assets and unlocking new economic opportunities within the sector.

Meanwhile, he acknowledged and commended members of the host community for their patriotism and safeguarding the facility.

He stressed that the centre, along with other abandoned livestock investments in the state, will be revived following plans to establish a modular abattoir for processing bacon for domestic markets and export.

The Executive Chairman, Nsukka Local Government Area, Hon Jude Asogwa, lauded the Tinubu-led administration for prioritising the rehabilitation of the centre, and added that it aligns with the State Government’s push to grow agriculture as a driver of economic prosperity.

Meanwhile, the statement made it known that the Minister visited the Adada Cattle Multiplication Centre, an 847-hectare facility that has remained unutilised. He was also at Mary Agro Farms in Udi, an initiative of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu, and held engagements with livestock stakeholders.

He reiterated the Federal Government’s determination to fully harness the sector in line with President Tinubu’s vision for non-oil sectors to significantly contribute to national growth and GDP.

Following an assessment of the site, including the Adada Dam, he said the Ministry now has a clearer picture of the steps needed to bring the centre into full operation, which he described the area as “a paradise yet to be discovered.”

According to the Minister, his tour revealed the immense opportunities that must be unlocked, and promised that the dam would be channelled to irrigate extensive pasture fields to be developed at the site and stressed the need for practical.

He said, “We must come out to the field, discover the potential, and create the environment for private sector and public-private partnerships to work with us to change the narrative.”

In Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State, the Chairman, Chijioke Ezeugwu, expressed appreciation for the visit and pledged full support toward revamping the centre, highlighting the economic prospects for the community.