Awo-Omamma community relishes cassava processing plant gift from NB Plc

From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri

The indigenes of the Awo-Omamma community are basking in euphoria as the Nigerian Breweries (NB) Plc has gifted them a state-of-the-art cassava processing plant, aimed at revolutionising their food production and transforming their economic landscape.

The atmosphere at the commissioning of the monumental gesture was electrifying as the people showcased their rich cultural heritage with vibrant masquerade performances and melodious songs. The joy was palpable, a testament to the community’s resilience and determination in the face of the arduous challenges of cassava processing.

Awo-Omamma, a predominantly agrarian community, is strategically located along the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway, making it an ideal hub for agricultural commerce. The community’s farming prowess is renowned with cassava, yams, oil palm, and vegetables as the mainstay of their economy.

Nigerian Breweries Plc, formerly Eastern Breweries Ltd, has been a game-changer in the community since 1982. The company’s brands have become household names, contributing significantly to the state’s economy. However, the temporary suspension of operations had taken a toll on the community’s economy, making the establishment of a cassava processing plant a timely intervention.

The plant, equipped with cutting-edge technology, is expected to create jobs, generate N500 million in annual revenue, and position Awo-Omamma as a cassava processing hub, thereby supporting the Imo State government’s agricultural development initiatives.

The massive cassava processing plant has a cooler, a frier, a dry sieve, a grater, and a hydraulic pressing machine. The output of the various machines in a day is estimated at 100kg of garri per hour, according to one of the factory workers, Emezienna Ugochukwu.

In his remarks at the commissioning, Managing Director of Nigerian Breweries Plc, Thibaut Boidin, emphasised the company’s commitment to sustainable development and economic empowerment, highlighting the project’s potential to drive positive change in the community.

“I am thrilled to stand before you, today, as we celebrate another milestone in our journey toward sustainable development and economic empowerment. Today, we gather here to commission the cassava processing plant, a project that’s close to our hearts and a testament to our dedication to improving lives and creating a future full of opportunities, especially for our community,”.

“At Nigerian Breweries Plc, our purpose extends beyond brewing beverages; we are equally committed to brewing prosperity, hope, and empowerment for the people and communities we serve. Over the years, through our various Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, we have consistently made significant and lasting impacts in critical areas, including education, healthcare, access to clean water, security, and economic empowerment. Today’s event further demonstrates our unwavering dedication to spreading joy and enabling progress in our host communities.

“Following the strategic decision to mothball the Awo-Omamma Brewery, fondly known by the local community as the ‘33’ Brewery, a comprehensive needs-based assessment was conducted in collaboration with community stakeholders. The evaluation highlighted the critical need for sustainable, revenue-generating projects to mitigate socio-economic challenges and preserve livelihoods previously supported by the brewery.

In response, we are pleased to introduce a transformative initiative: the establishment of a two-ton/day cassava processing facility in Awo-Omamma.

“After the merger in 2015, which brought the “33” Brewery into the Nigerian Breweries family, we have, through our corporate social responsibility initiatives, spearheaded numerous development programmes in areas such as: a block of six classrooms, a library, and conveniences equipped with textbooks on various subjects for Ubachima Primary School.

We,  also, built block of six classrooms, a library, and conveniences equipped with textbooks on various subjects for the Secondary Technical School, Ubogwo and trained 250 young women and youths on numerous skills of their choice and equipped them with starter packs to commence their journey into entrepreneurship.

“While we take pride in these achievements, it is important to recognise that sustainable development is a collective responsibility. We sincerely appreciate the warm hospitality and unwavering support of our hosts, whose partnership and cooperation have been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition. We also encourage our government partners, corporate organisations, NGOs, and community leaders to continue supporting initiatives that uplift our people. To our beneficiaries, Awo Omamma Community, I urge you to seize this golden opportunity as a panacea for our growth toward economic sustainability,” Boidin stated.

Also speaking, the Corporate Affairs Director, NB Plc, Uzo Odenigbo, clearly stated that the proceeds from the plant would be left entirely in the hands of their host to manage, with no cashback.

“We do not expect anything from them; it totally belongs to them, they will decide what to do with the proceeds; we have done our corporate responsibility, and we expect them to put it to maximum use”. Odenigbo said.

The community’s traditional ruler, Eze Valentine Amanfo, expressed profound gratitude, assuring the company of their unwavering support.

“On behalf of the good people of Awo Omamma Community, I, His Royal Majesty – Eze Dr. Val Amanfo, Eze Amanfo vi, Eze v, of Awo Omamma Community, stand before you, today, with a heart full of gratitude. It is, indeed, a day of joy and thanksgiving as we gather to acknowledge and appreciate the kind gesture of Nigerian Breweries Plc, through this generous donation to our community. Your presence and support today reflect a true spirit of partnership and goodwill,” Amanfo said.

“This act of generosity is not just about material support; it is a clear demonstration of your genuine concern for the welfare and development of our people. You have shown that you are not only here to do business but, also, to uplift and empower the people who welcome and support your operations.

“Since you took over the consolidated brewery, your footprint in the community has transcended touching several lives in areas such as the provision of portable water, donations of transformers for electricity supply, building of school blocks, provision of textbooks on various subjects for our schools, and empowering our youths through your empowerment programmes, hence this magnanimous donation today.

“This donation will go a long way to supporting food production, thereby providing jobs for our women and youths as well as encouraging local farmers, etc. It will bring hope to many families and strengthen the bond of friendship between our people and your organisation.

As the traditional ruler of this land, I want to assure you that the people of Awo Omamma Community sincerely appreciate this gesture. We recognise your effort, your respect for our community, and your commitment to shared progress. We will continue to support your operations and, together, we shall sustain a peaceful and mutually beneficial relationship.

“The community is happy to receive this and would be most happy to see you back to production as soon as possible. Since your temporary suspension of operation, we have prayed and worked tirelessly to ensure your comeback. Please let us know where we can come in to ensure a quick return in the 1st quarter of 2026,” the monarch assured.

Elated indigenes of the community have commended Nigerian Breweries for establishing the plant in their hometown, saying that there is no better way to assist them than what they have just done.

Mrs Juliana Chukwuemeka, one of the indigenes who hailed the company, said, “It will now be easy for us, before we go to the farm to fetch firewood, before processing the garri. Now, all we need is just to take it to the plant and it’s done”.

Also, trio of Mrs. Onuwa Chioma, Felicia Amigo, and Nkiruka Maduagwu, who are farmers, lauded the project, believing that most of their children, who have been unemployed, would find jobs with the establishment of the plant.

“We have so many youths who are at home doing nothing, most of them have travelled, but we believe this will make most of them come back, we thank them for this plant,” she said.