Agribusiness Company Inks Lease Agreement with Kogi State Government to Revitalize Ejiba Rice Mill »

In line with its commitment to bolster agricultural productivity and stimulate economic growth, the Kogi State government has forged a significant partnership with Silvex International Limited, a flourishing agribusiness and logistics company that focuses on commodity aggregation, processing, and trading. The landmark agreement which was reached in Lokoja earlier today entails the leasing and management of the Ejiba Rice Mill Factory, a pivotal asset in the state’s agricultural landscape.

Under the terms of the agreement, the agribusiness firm, renowned for its expertise in modern farming techniques and agro-processing, will assume operational control of the Ejiba Rice Mill Factory. This strategic collaboration aims to harness the mill’s potential to enhance rice production, create employment opportunities, and bolster food security in the state and region.

The Ejiba Rice Mill Factory, one of the giant projects of the immediate past administration of Yahaya Bello situated in Yagba West local government area of Kogi State, has long been recognized as a cornerstone of the state’s agricultural sector. However, in recent years, operational challenges have hindered its full capacity utilization, prompting the need for intervention and modernization.

The Managing Director, Chief Executive Officer of SILVEX, Alh Abubakar Karfi, said Silvex International Limited is wholly indigenous and has been expanding rapidly in recent years. He added that the company plans to invest billions of naira in the agricultural sector in Kogi State.

He stressed that with this new lease agreement, the agribusiness company is poised to inject fresh vitality into the Ejiba Rice Mill Factory. By leveraging advanced technologies, streamlined processes, and sustainable agricultural practices, the company intends to revitalize production operations and optimize output levels.

Speaking on the significance of the partnership, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Mrs. Ayoade Folashade Arike, who executed the agreement on behalf of Kogi State, described it is an enormous step forward for Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s Accelerated Agricultural Development Programme in Kogi State.

“With this investment from Silvex International Limited, there will be significant advancements in agriculture in Kogi State, which will lead to improved livelihoods for farmers and others who depend on agriculture for their income,” she added.

In their separate remarks, the Kogi State Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon Timothy Ojoma, and the Commissioner of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Asiwaju Asiru Idris (FCA), both lauded the lease agreement as a pivotal step towards revitalizing the agricultural landscape of Kogi State. They noted that the partnership is expected to build on the existing legacy of the immediate past administration by stimulating investment inflows, attract additional funding opportunities, and propel the state towards achieving self-sufficiency in rice production.