Governor Mbah emphasized that Enugu State's selection as one of the six states visited by the delegation was not coincidental. He revealed that the Country Director of the World Bank had promised to release $3 million to support agriculture in the state, and his administration would effectively utilize the funds for the intended purpose. The governor further announced plans to provide farmland and construct access roads for farmers, emphasizing that these initiatives align with his administration's manifesto.
In his address, Governor Mbah assured the delegation that Enugu State would transition from traditional farming methods to modern agricultural practices. He also revealed plans to establish a special allied processing zone to enhance production capabilities. These measures aim to improve the overall agricultural sector in the state and create an enabling environment for SMEs to thrive.
Dr. Manieve Sene, the World Bank Task Team Leader, commended the project's significant achievements despite initial challenges. He acknowledged the level of implementation in Enugu State and expressed satisfaction with the overall performance of the project across all participating states.
Mr. Mohammed Jobdi, the National Project Coordinator for the APPEALS Project, explained that the delegation's mission was to assess the project's implementation in the different participating states, including Enugu. He disclosed that the project, which began in 2017, focuses on capacity building for farmers, women and youth employment programs, infrastructure development for agricultural businesses, knowledge sharing, and project management and coordination.
Under the women and youth empowerment program, Jobdi highlighted that approximately 1,700 individuals had received support in each participating state, with special attention given to the training of physically challenged individuals to promote social inclusion. Additionally, 15 cottage and aggregation centers are being established across the six states involved in the project.
With the APPEALS Project set to conclude on September 30, the Enugu State government, under the leadership of Governor Mbah, is determined to leverage the funding and support provided by the World Bank and the Federal Government to enhance agricultural productivity, boost SMEs, and drive overall economic growth in the state.
