By Unue Emeka,

The Director-General, Delta State Investments Development Agency (DIDA), Olorogun Lucky Oghene-Omoru has said that the Agency will support the activities of SMEs in order to ensure their growth.

The Director-General made this promise when the Agency embarked on a company tour of Benzor Multi-Concept Co. Ltd, Issele-Mkpitime in Aniocha North Local Government of Delta State.

The Director-General who was represented by Mr Peter Okolie a Senior Investment Analyst in the Agency said that the Company which is a 26hectares palm tree plantation and processing mini plant fits the profile of SMEs that can assess Government agricultural funds.

According to him, the Agency embarked on the visit with a view to having a first- hand knowledge of the operations of the company in order to be better equipped to give requisite advice and support.

“We are quite impressed with what the company has on ground and there seem to be a lot of potentials in this particular investment.

“DIDA as an investment facilitating Agency will assist to properly package the company and ensure that they are able to assess funds that are opened to SMEs in the agricultural sector. We currently have an understanding with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and the Nigeria Export-Import Bank (NEXIM) and we hope to access these windows to assist the company. ” He further stated.

Earlier the Managing Director of Benzor Multi-Concept Co. Ltd said that the business has been self-funded since he started it over ten years ago.

According to him the exposure he got from attending SME workshops and seminars in recent past, in particular, the recently organized NEXIM Bank/DIDA organized South-South Export Enlightenment & Engagement Forum awoke in him the need to expand his business and enter into full-time export.

“I am optimistic that with the support of DIDA I will be able to get access to funds and business ideas that will enable me to expand my business.” He said.

Speaking on the quality and viability of the plantation he said that he ensures that the best quality oil is produced in the plant. “The palm trees are well treated and I ensure that the oil is extracted immediately we harvest. I employ adequate labour to ensure pruning, treatment, harvest and processing.”

According to him, he has been able to nurture over 3,000 stands of palm oil trees and from these he records an annual palm oil production of over 10,000litres which he sells locally and to a major off-taker from Ghana.

He listed insecurity, funding and lack of technical expertise as the challenges he faces. He, therefore, solicited for Government support in these areas.

According to him, he intends to procure machines for the processing of palm kernel oil (PKO) and wants to partner with government or a private investor.

Mr Nwabuzor commended His Excellency Sen. (Dr.) IfeanyiOkowa for his foresight in establishing DIDA as an Agency that facilitates both local and foreign investments.

The DIDA team comprised of the Director OSSIC Faith Odearuodo, the Director PPP, Mr OgheneovoOkome, Director PRS, Mr Felix Nwamumu, Mr Louis Ibeagbulem and PRO, Mr Sylvester Iloba.