Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has announced plans for a multibillion-naira livestock and dairy project in partnership with Barn Holding Group to redefine agriculture and drive large-scale food security.
The project, anchored under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement, is structured to create over 20,000 jobs, strengthen food security, and reposition Abia as a hub for modern livestock production and agribusiness innovation.
Governor Alex Otti, who announced the partnership at the Government House in Umuahia, described the initiative as “a defining moment for Abia’s agricultural rebirth and youth empowerment.”
“The devil is always in the details. We must dot all the i’s, cross the t’s, and move to site as quickly as possible,”
Otti stated, as he confirmed the constitution of a five-member team to work with Barn Holding Group in finalizing the project framework and financing structure.
According to the Governor, the state is ready to provide land for the initiative either at Okoko Item, the proposed location, or Umunneochi, depending on technical evaluations.
He added that the project supports his administration’s agenda for ranching and modern livestock management, noting that open grazing is no longer sustainable.
“My preference is to expand horizontally or vertically within the same space for efficiency, but if Okoko proves too remote, Umunneochi remains an alternative,”
he affirmed.
Chief Executive Officer of Barn Holding Group, Engr. Tony Jibuno, unveiled plans to revive the Okoko Livestock Farm, develop a feedlot and abattoir in Umunneochi, and establish a cattle ranch and disease-control hub to ensure livestock traceability and food safety.
He revealed that the project will include a training and demonstration centre to equip farmers with modern livestock management skills, adding that it is expected to produce 2,000 tonnes of beef annually and serve as a regional model for sustainable livestock and dairy production.
Jibuno further requested the allocation of 500 additional hectares of land around Okoko to enable long-term expansion and commercial viability.
The presentation was attended by top state officials including the Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba (Ph.D.), Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbarze, Commissioner for Lands, Chaka Chukwumerije, DG PPP and Investment Promotion, Mr. Chinedum Chijioke, and Principal Secretary and Chief Strategy Officer, Mr. Chinenye Mba Uzoukwu.
Furthermore, Governor Otti expressed confidence that the partnership would redefine Abia’s agricultural future, attract fresh investments, and establish the state as a national leader in livestock and dairy excellence.
