Investors launch Cassava City in Kogi, to cultivate over 500 hectares of land »

Sequel to the signing of a memorandum of understanding in March this year by the Kogi State Government, JIL Farms and Equipment, an American farming and livestock company and CONTEC Global, an international company involved in farming, bioenergy and technology to further enhance agricultural production in the state, the companies have moved further with the implementation of the MoU by kick starting what would become a cassava revolution in the country.

At the groundbreaking ceremony for the Cassava City project in Osara, Governor Yahaya Bello reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to partner with investors and other relevant stakeholders towards actualizing the industrialization in Kogi state.

Governor Bello, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Mrs. Folashade Arike Ayoade, stated that his administration is ready to do whatever it takes to ensure that full-scale construction on the project begins immediately.

Bello commended JIL Farms and Equipment and CONTEC Global for their interest in working with the Kogi state government to ensure that the dream of industrializing the state and creating job opportunities while maintaining its position as the leading cassava producing state remains a reality.

Dr Ayoade Akere, CEO JIL and Farm Equipment in his address applauded governor Yahaya Bello for his foresight. He stated that aside from birthing the idea, that more than 500 hectares of land have been acquired for the project and this would not only help Kogi preserve its status as Nigeria’s biggest Cassava producer but will also employ over 6,000 Kogi indigenes, as the city would involve the establishment of a bioethanol factory and a feedlot which would house five thousand herds in a couple of years projected to increase to ten thousand in five years.

Sashi Mozumder, Country Head of CONTEC Global, expressed his excitement to partner on the project with Kogi State government. He also indicated that in addition to the creation of Cassava City, the company is looking to partner with the nearby Confluence University of Science and Technology to establish a technological centre in the school to conduct more research on the products.

Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Finance, Economy and Investment who is also the CEO, Kogi state investment promotion and private public agency, Hon Abdulkareem Siyaka, praised Gov Bello for not relenting in his efforts to industrialize the state. He complimented the people of Osara for granting them the privilege of using their land for free and to realize the dream of not just producing cassava but to rear cattle and produce fossil fuels that will compete in Nigeria’s growing economy.

“The greatest thing to do is to empower the people and not make them self reliant.” He also noted.

He identified the peaceful nature of Osara as being a factor that made it easy for them to decide to come partner in the establishment of Cassava City and expressed their desire to work with the state Government, companies and the people to deliver on the project.

The dignitaries at the event also included the Head of Service, Mrs. Hannah Odiyo, Hon David Apeh, Commissioner for Agric, Kogi State, Hon. Gabriel Olofu, Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Hon. Isah Idachaba, Dr Femi Abolarin Project Coordinator,
National live stock Transformation project Kogi State, Prince George Bello, MD Agriculture Development Program, Kogi State, Dr Benoy Berry, Chairman CONTEC Global.