Kogi State Government says it will continue to explore its agricultural endowment to boost job creation and to enhance its economy.
The State Governor, Capt Idris Wada, stated this when he received a delegation of CARGILL USA, the major investor in the Crop Processing Zone, at Alape in his office in Lokoja.
The team was in Kogi State for an update on the successful take – off of the multi-billion naira Crop Processing Zone at Alape in Kabba Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Yomi Awoniyi, described the establishment of Alape Crop Processing Zone, as one of the major breakthrough recorded by the State Government.
Capt Wada described agriculture as the mainstay of its economy and said it will remain cardinal in its transformation agenda.
The State Government the governor noted is working assiduously towards providing the necessary infrastructure for the take off of the project assured the investors of the State Government’s political will in driving the project.
The Governor disclosed that the issues of roads and water and other infrastructure needed for the smooth take off of the project are already been addressed, said there is so much expectation from Government and people of the State towards the realization and success of the project.
The Governor, promised the investor every support required, said the State within the last two years has become an investor’s bride owing to the enabling environment his administration has created.
While describing the State as blessed with vast arable land, Capt. Wada, assured of the people’s support in the early take – off of the Crop Processing Zone in Alape, thanked the Federal Ministry of Agriculture in the concern they have shown in the project.
Earlier in his address, Chief James Awoniyi, the Federal Government Technical Consultant on the project, said the team was in the State in continuation of its consultation with relevant stakeholders, of the Area where the project is located. He said the idea is to carry along everyone in the project implementation.
Chief James Awoniyi, disclosed that the preparation for the arrival of machinery and the commencement of work by Cargill USA, has reached an advanced state, solicited the State Government support in putting in place the necessary infrastructures.
Speaking on behalf of CARGILL, Peter Neilson, leader of the delegation said they were in the State to carry out other feasibility study that will guarantee the success of the project.
Mr. Nielson, commended Kogi State Government for the initiative towards transforming Agriculture, said towards the expected take – off of the project, the team will continue to interface with various groups where the project is located.
