The Nnewi Diocese of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, has initiated a comprehensive agricultural project aimed at enhancing food availability and improving the diocese’s financial stability.
According to Bishop Rt Rev Ndubuisi Obi, the diocese has acquired extensive land across the South East for farming activities. Farms have been established in Okija, Ozubulu, Anaku, and Igbariam, with plans to acquire additional land in Akpugoeze, Enugu State, and Ufuma by year-end.
Bishop Obi reported that substantial crops, including cucumber, watermelon, pineapple, green pepper, cassava, and yam, have already been harvested in Okija. In Ozubulu, the diocese manages 40 large fish ponds, along with piggery, poultry, and snail farming operations.
To ensure a steady supply of water, the diocese employs an irrigation system, which supports continuous vegetable harvesting. Palm oil mills in Okija and Ozubulu produce DONAC Palm Oil, and garri processing machines in both locations produce DONAC Garri. A full rice mill in Anaku produces DONAC Parboiled Rice, which is well-received in the market due to its competitive pricing. Additionally, 50 hectares of rice have been planted in Igbariam, destined for processing at the Anaku rice mill.
In Akpugoeze, the diocese has acquired 5,000 plots of land for agricultural development, offering partnership opportunities to interested individuals.
Bishop Obi also highlighted the establishment of an Artificial Intelligence/Robotics/Coding Hub at Bishop Uzodike Memorial Seminary, Nnewi, in collaboration with the World Bank. This initiative aims to train 1,000 youths in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence.