The Cassava City investors, Contec Global, Geron Oil & Gas and Jil Farms have commenced work at the Cassava City, Osara.
They made this known during the Cassava City Day held at Confluence Stadium Lokoja on 15 November 2018.
The Director Contec Global, Dr Sashi Mozumder stated that his company in partnership with Geron Oil & Gas, Praj India and NNPC will be producing 40,000 liters of bio-ethanol per day. The investment start up on a turnkey basis is 25 Million USD. The plant will employ over 2500 people on a full time basis.
He mentioned that Contec consortium will provide inputs to farmers who will serve as out-growers for the scheme, they will also provide basic infrastructure such as rural roads, power and health centres.
The Manager Director Geron Oil & Gas, Mr Haruna Madisca along with Mr Yakubu Danjuma, representative NNPC Renewable Energy Department confirmed the commitment of their organizations to the project. The Environmental Impact Assessment and Soil Tests are currently ongoing.
Whereas, the Managing Director JIL farmers, Dr Ayoade Akere, said his firm will be investing in cattle production in the cassava city and will derive most of their feedstock from cassava. They have already performed major corporate social responsibility projects in education and health care within the cassava city.
CBN/NIRSAL Lokoja, represented by Messrs Onoja Enenche and Qosim Odewale, stated that NIRSAL had already verified over 240 farmers for the Cassava City to access the Enhanced Anchor Borrowers Programme.
The Executive Governor of Kogi State who was represented by the Commissioner of Agriculture, Mr Kehinde Oloruntoba eulogized Governor Yahaya Bello and reiterated his commitment to transform agriculture in Kogi State with emphasis on Cassava since Kogi is the leading cassava producing State in Nigeria with production of 4 million MT per annual to the Nation’s total of 58 million MT per annum.
Other speakers at the Cassava City day include Hajia Maryam Ladi Ibrahim, Director General Bureau for Lands & Services who stated with the new land reforms, investors can access land seamlessly in partnership with the traditional land owners. The State Project Coordinator (SPC) APPEALS Projects, Dr. Sanni Abdullahi Ozomata, stated that the World Bank project will support the city in terms of infrastructure and value addition. The SPC Fadama, Mr PSF Ogunmola, stated that Fadama cultivated 2,500 hectares of cassava with mechanization and best practices, this knowledge will be transferred to the Cassava city. The SPC GYB Cassava Revolution Engr. Ahmed Rufai Timasaniyu stated that his project’s initial objective is to cultivate 10,000 hectares of cassava in each senatorial district and the cassava city ties into this plan.
The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Agriculture, Mr Emmanuel Idenyi and Assistant Managing Director, Pastor Emmanuel Itodo both corroborate the treasures in cassava crop, noting that nothing is wasted from the leaves, stems and roots. Cassava products abound such as flour, chips, sweeteners, ethanol, starch, fufu, tapioca, abacha, garri and other industrial products
UNICANE and Crest Agro who currently own large ethanol companies in Kogi are pleased about the cassava city as this will provide more feedstock for their operations.
The Commissioner Finance and Economic Development, Asiwaju Asiru Idris empathized that all actors most collaborate to ensure the project’s success.
The State Chairperson MIREMCO Hajia Hassiat Ozavize Suleiman, the Civil Defense (NSCDC) Commandant Mr Phillips Ayodele, Former Managing Director Kogi ADP Rev James Ogunmola all graced the occasion.
The Managing Director Kogi Agricultural Development Project (ADP), Mr. Oyisi Okatahi rounded up the occasion by stating that Cassava City Osara has become a reality and the concept will be replicated across Kogi with maize, rice and other cities.
He spurred all stakeholder to remain studious and trust in God.
He stated the investors had proof of capital, and the government’s and community’s equity in the investment will primarily be land.
Okatahi mentioned that cassava city is a gateway to employment and prosperity in Kogi State.
He applauded Governor Yahaya Bello for his agricultural vision for Kogi State.
