Communities where the Federal Government plans to establish Cassava farms and processing factories have been asked to embrace the projects and ensure its success.
Kogi State Governor, Capt Idris Wada, who made the appeal, also called on the five affected Local Government Areas where the projects under the new cassava initiatives is to be located to embrace the projects as its benefits are far sighted than can be imagined.
Wada, who was represented by his Deputy,Yomi Awoniyi, disclosed this when he visited the Okun Traditional Council.
The visit which was aimed at sensitizing the concerned communities on the need to give up their land, was also geared at soliciting their cooperation for the success of the project.
Capt Wada appealed to the people not to allow the present opportunity slip the state as the new land thrust policy will cater for the benefits and common good of the people whose land will be used for the farm.
The State Governor disclosed that his administration is fully determined to key into the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan in the area of Agriculture, which he noted underscores the importance its attaches to ensuring the smooth take off of the project.
In his remarks, James Awoniyi, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture Consultant on Cassava development project, urged the people to put behind them the issue of land ownership that may be selfish, personal and detrimental to the success of the project.
The Consultant said Kogi and Ogun States are the only States selected as a stable crop processing Zone in the country, appealed to concerned communities to look at the advantages of employment and Socio Economic benefits that will be accrued to the state, appealed for their maximum cooperation.
Speaking on behalf of the Traditional Rulers at the Palace of the Obaro of Kabba, Oba Michael Olobayo gave the assurance that the people will work towards achieving the objectives and aspiration of the Federal and state Government.
The Royal father described the new cassava initiative program as an achievement on the part of the state government, promising to utilise the present opportunity.
At the palace of Oba Ikusemoro Joseph Adebayo, the Traditional Ruler of Bunu District, where the 15 kilometre farm will be sited in the first phase,commended the State Government for carrying out the sensitization visit before the commencement of the project adding that it will go a long way in ensuring the needed peace and cooperation.
At Odo Ape community where the farm and factory is to be sited, the Traditional Ruler, Oba Solomon Meseko, who spoke on behalf of the three benefiting communities,promised the support and cooperation of the people, in ensuring that the project comes into fruition.
