Nigeria may soon become a major exporter of rice as Dangote Group has disclosed that it was investing 10 billion dollars in rice cultivation in five states to boost food self-sufficiency
This was disclosed by a director of group,Tunde Mabogunje who represented it at the special day, at the just concluded 2017 Gateway Trade fair held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
As a responsible corporate citizen, we participate fully in all events and activities designed to drive social and economic welfare of the state.”
Mabogunje stated “We have been contributing our quota to the growth and development of the Nigerian economy. Towards aiding agriculture, we are building a fertilizer plant in the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Lagos State. When completed, farmers will have regular access to fertilizer for their farming activities. The delays and disruptions experienced in waiting for imported fertilizer will cease.”
Describing the theme for this year’s Trade Fair: Promoting Agricultural Value Chain through SMEs for Nigeria Economic Recovery as being apt, he said “given the nation is now paying attention to Agriculture, which has the potential of becoming the major driver of the economy instead of oil, pointing out that in line with the theme the Group is at the forefront of job creation and is the largest employer of labour outside government.”
Mabogunje stated “We have been contributing our quota to the growth and development of the Nigerian economy. Towards aiding agriculture, we are building a fertilizer plant in the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Lagos State. When completed, farmers will have regular access to fertilizer for their farming activities. The delays and disruptions experienced in waiting for imported fertilizer will cease.”
“We are investing about $1 billion in rice cultivation. We have an outgrowers scheme where thousands of farmers are empowered with improved seeds and items needed to cultivate rice.”
He added that the group’s partnership with OGUNCCIMA is beneficial as Ogun State is the host of the 12 mmtpa Dangote Cement Plant, Ibese which is the second largest cement plant in Nigeria.
To mark its Day at the Fair, subsidiaries of Dangote group gave out several tools and implements such as wheel barrowers, shovels, umbrellas and hand gloves to block makers in state in appreciation of their patronages. Also Dangote Flour delighted customers and participants with free sampling of its new pasta products. The wet sampling made the Group’s pavilion the center of activities at the Fair
Commending the Dangote group which emerged as the second most patronised exhibitor during the 10-day trade fair, for its sponsorship and participation at the Fair, President of Ogun State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OGUNCCIMA) Mrs. Adesola Adebutu said the support given by the Group went a long way in making the staging of the Fair a success.
Adebutu who commended the Pan African Conglomerate for its giant strides in economic development of the country through massive investments in several sectors of the economy described the feat as worthy of emulation by other Nigerians.
