Maiduguri, December 5, 2019: OER Farms Ltd signed with the University of Ilorin 21-year-old agreement to lease the land plots (UNILORIN) on the development of mechanized agricultural project area of 10,000 hectares, to be implemented in accordance with best practice in the industry to increase productivity in the sector.

The agreement follows the Memorandum of understanding signed by both parties on 4 September 2019, and highlights the progress of the Federal government in ensuring food security in the entire country. For this project it is proposed to improve crop varieties with high-yielding commercial crops, such as corn, soybeans, and cashews.

Speaking at the signing ceremony of the Agreement in Maiduguri on Thursday, the founder of the Oriental Group, the parent company of the agricultural company, Dr. Muhammad Indie, OFR, noted that the initiative is a vision almost pagesecurity says about his commitment to maintain macroeconomic growth through opportunities in sustainable development for all.

The project also aims to develop potential Ilori University in agricultural research, improving farming practices, youth development aglarov that will give agriculture another perspective will contribute to the local inclusion and increase the economic viability in watersheds.

Dr. Ingemi said: “the Average yield of crops such as corn, the Nigerian farmers, is about four tons per hectare, while the yield is up to eight tons per hectare in the most developed agriculture countries. We are interested in this space, and our goal is to close it, exposing local farmers and students to industry best practices, as well as providing much needed support for the next 21 years. Nigeria can achieve better results and to own a reliable, prosperous agricultural sector, with huge export value. We are glad to play our modest role in the accession to President Muhammad Buhari on the road to national food security.”

Managing Director, OER Farms Intime Ibrahim added that the cooperation will add value to agricultural Unilorin faculty, supporting research and exposing students institutions industry best practices in agriculture. In addition, practical experience in farm management will encourage graduates to develop entrepreneurial skills that will further reduce unemployment among young people. It is also expected that the project will have a positive impact on local farmers.

Oriental Group has experience of promoting sustainable development in Nigeria by promoting equitable quality education and learning opportunities throughout life. Another subsidiary company, Oriental Energy Resources Limited (OERL), has previously supported the University of Uyo in the state of Akwa Ibom state, upgrading the facilities so that the University can renew the accreditation of the faculties of chemical and petroleum engineering. OERL has provided funding for a five-year offers modern academic books and laboratory supplies among others. A similar expansion of educational institutions and learning environment continues in the University of Maiduguri, Borno state, where the Foundation Muhammad Intimi building a learning Center.

Vice-Chancellor of Unilorin, Professor Suliman Aydzh Abdulkarim stressed that the development of the agricultural sector is crucial for food security, diversification and job creation.

He also said: “This is a public-private partnership, which brings great benefit to our students, local farmers, the government and the revival of agriculture. It has also attracted resources in the University. Perseverance and generosity describe Dr. Ingemi. People feel proud as a Nigerian, to have someone like him who stands for social, economic and humanitarian reasons. We believe that this joint venture will achieve phenomenal success in the industry.”

The next development phase of the project will begin in the first quarter of 2020, with a detailed description of the site, testing soils and hydrology, as well as obtaining a ten-year historic meteorological data. The information will determine the options of crops and methods of agriculture. The goal of both parties is that this project was similar to all beneficiaries will contribute to a significant transformation of the agricultural sector of Nigeria to increase crop yields, reduce vulnerability of crops and potential local and export market.

Aniwura OmolayuCommunication OfficerOriental Energy Resources Ltd