An Open Letter to His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, the Executive Governor of Delta State Government House, Asaba Through: The Hon. Commissioner for Agriculture, Asaba, Delta State Subject: Proposal for the Establishment of a Tomato Cluster Farm Estate in Igbodo Town, Ika North East LGA, with a Tomato Processing Plant in Agbor

Introduction:

Your Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, the Executive Governor of Delta State, we the Members of Socioeconomic Network For Good Governance aka SONGG Delta State Chapter here by extend our heartfelt greetings and commend your exemplary leadership and the remarkable infrastructural strides you have made across the three Senatorial Districts of Delta State. Your commitment to development is superlative, and we sincerely appreciate your from our inner recess we appreciate and thumb up for you.

In the light of your administration's ongoing efforts to enhance agricultural production and food security, we considered it exigent to propose the establishment of a Tomato Cluster Farm Estate in Igbodo Town, Ika North East LGA. This project aims to leverage on the unique agricultural potential of lgbodo Land which have the capacity to support large-scale tomato production. Additionally, we also propose the establishment of a Tomato Processing Plant in Agbor to process at least 50% of the harvested tomatoes into sachet-packaged products branded as "Delta Sachet Tomato." This initiative aligns with and promotes the objectives of the MORE Agenda.

We are reliably informed that some individuals are now resorting to substituting garden eggs and watermelons for tomatoes due to scarcity. Given the fact that lgbodo is a natural belt of tomato, Delta State, is expected to come out of her comfort zone to fix such a problem with the required zeal. Our proposal, backed by comprehensive research, will significantly contribute to the state's agricultural value chain, create jobs, and provide high-quality tomatoes to consumers across Delta and beyond. We recommend Dr. Solomon Osian of Goshen Farms to serve as One of the resource personnel to oversee the Pilot Project in Igbodo, ensuring its successful execution.

Rationale for the Project:

Igbodo Town in Ika North East LGA is renowned for its fertile soil, which supports the spontaneous growth of tomatoes without the need for extensive cultivation. Based on the principle of comparative advantage, Igbodo is an ideal location for large-scale tomato farming, with a survival rate of 99.999%. This advantage ensures and guarantee 100 percent success potential and sustainability of the Tomato Cluster Farm Estate.

Project Objectives:

Food Security:

This project will address the high demand for tomatoes in the state and nationwide, significantly enhancing food security. With a well-crafted blueprint, we can deliver an innovative solution that benefits all Deltans, contingent on your support.

Price Stabilization:

By applying a direct-to-market distribution strategy, the project will help stabilize tomato prices, reducing costs for consumers while maximizing value through processing and minimizing post-harvest losses.

Location:

Igbodo Town

Farm Size:

A minimum of 3,000 acres will be allocated for large-scale tomato cultivation.

Production Capacity:

The farm is expected to produce enough tomatoes to meet state demands, with 50% reserved for processing at the proposed Agbor plant under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

Technology and Methodology:

We will utilize modern farming techniques, irrigation systems, and local labor to maximize yields and ensure all year-round production. Investors are already guaranteed off-taker agreements for 50% of the produce, with the remaining 50% sold directly to consumers locally in our markets.

Tomato Processing Plant in Agbor:

Processing Capacity:

The Agbor plant will process 50% of the tomatoes from Igbodo into Sachet-Packaged Tomato Paste , branded as "Delta Sachet Tomato." This affordable alternative to canned tomatoes requires minimal infrastructure investment and will be established through the PPP model. Private investors with the necessary expertise and financial capacity have expressed readiness to develop the plant.

Advantages of the Project:

High Success Rate:

Igbodo Land is naturally suitable for tomato cultivation ensures minimal risk and consistent production. With minimal inputs, the farm estate will guarantee abundant harvests.

Job Creation:

The farm and processing plant will create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, from farmers and factory workers to transporters and distributors, reducing unemployment and poverty in Delta State.

Food Security and Price Stabilization:

By increasing local tomato production, the project will reduce dependency on imports from Kano, Sokoto, and Zaria, stabilizing prices and ensuring a steady all year-round supply.

Value Addition through Processing:

Processing the harvested tomatoes into "Delta Sachet Tomato" will minimize post-harvest losses and create a durable, storable product. The brand will compete with other tomato products in Nigeria's markets.

Enhanced Agricultural Profile for Delta State:

This initiative will solidify Delta State's position as a leading agricultural innovator in the South-South, second only to Kano in tomato production. It will attract further investment and strengthen the state's agricultural reputation.

Economic Growth:

Revenue generation from both fresh and processed tomato sales will boost the local economy, driving commercial activity in farming and agro-processing.

Implementation Plan:

Phase 1: Farm Estate Development

Land acquisition and preparation in Igbodo Town.

Recruitment of skilled and unskilled labor.

Procurement of agricultural inputs and machinery.

Pilot cultivation to assess yields.

Phase 2: Processing Plant Construction

Site development in Agbor.

Installation of processing equipment for sachet packaging.

Staff training for plant operations.

Phase 3: Distribution and Marketing

Engage registered distributors to supply fresh tomatoes and "Delta Sachet Tomato" across the state.

Launch promotional campaigns for product awareness.

Conclusion:

This proposal offers a strategic solution to improve food security, create jobs, and elevate Delta State's agricultural profile. The Tomato Cluster Farm Estate in Igbodo and the Tomato Processing Plant in Agbor represent an opportunity for Delta State to lead the South-South region in tomato production. By leveraging the natural advantages of Igbodo's fertile land and the state's dedication to agricultural innovation, this project is poised for success and will bring lasting benefits to the state and its people.

We look forward to your support and cooperation on this vital initiative.

Thank you and God bless.

Yours Faithfully,

Comrade Wilson Macaulay Enameguolor

General Secretary,

Socioeconomic Network for Good Governance (SONGG), Delta State Chapter

Comrade Sunny Anireto,

President, SONGG, Delta State Chapter

Comrade Karo Erueme,

PRO, SONGG, Delta State Chapter

Populist High Chief Wellington Bobo,

Oroupawei of Gbaramatu Kingdom JP, FNHR,