Warri South Council Chairman, Michael Tidi, on Friday said plans were almost concluded for the establishment of a palm oil factory that would soon be opened in the council area as part of efforts to boost the economy of the oil-rich council.
Tidi, who spoke to BusinessDay in his office in Warri, said the council had already set plans in motion and was collaborating with the state government and the private sector to make sure the plans come to fruition.
While promising that the palm oil factory would come on stream before the end of this year, the council boss appealed to the people in the area to cooperate with the contractors that will handle the project.
“These are the benefits of the two Warri Economic Summits that were held in the council. Both Summits have started yielding fruits as plans to establish an oil palm factory is on the way.
“Yes, Plans are already in place to have a palm factory at Ugbedede and we are already in touch with Okomu Oil, the state government and some private individuals who have indicated interest to partner with the council,” Tidi said.
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Tidi said that unlike the wrong impression sent to outsiders, Warri is very safe to do business, urging investors to come to Warri and take advantage of the peaceful nature of Warri to come and do business in the area.
“I want to assure investors coming to Warri that the market is there for them to explore. There is also safety of lives and property because we are in touch with all the security agencies.
“The truth of the matter is that Warri is very peaceful for doing business unlike the wrong stories that are being told out there. As the Chief security officer of the local government, I can tell you that I have intelligence reports to that effect.
“I can tell you with a lot of certainty that the place is good for business. First, Warri South indigenes are quite receptive and hospitable. Here you can’t hear stories of “deve” where the youths attack visitors who want to build houses and business places.”
