*To aid alternative and sustainable means of livelihood
Amid rising food prices and growing concerns over food security in Nigeria, Dangote Cement Plc, Ibese Plant has commissioned and handed over a multi-million Naira state-of-the-art garri and fufu processing plant to Kajola Host Community in Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The company described the project as a strategic intervention aimed at boosting agricultural value addition, reducing post-harvest losses and strengthening livelihoods for rural farmers and women.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Ibese Plant Director, Mr. Ayyagari Subbaraidu, said the facility was delivered under the company’s Community Development Agreement (CDA) with its host communities signed in 2022.
He noted that the initiative is designed to support cassava farmers and processors by improving efficiency and expanding income-generating opportunities.
“This project is aimed at improving cassava processing, reducing losses and creating sustainable employment for women and farmers in the community,” he said.
Subbaraidu disclosed that the facility features separate garri and fufu processing units equipped with modern machinery, including a five-tonne-per-day peeling machine, hydraulic presses, frying systems, fermentation basins, solar-powered boreholes and sanitation infrastructure.
He added that the plant is expected to serve as a catalyst for local economic growth by enhancing productivity and supporting small-scale agribusinesses across Kajola and neighbouring communities.
The Plant Director also urged the community and the Project Governance Committee to maintain transparency in the management of the facility to ensure long-term sustainability.
The Ogun State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Bolu Owotomo, who commissioned the Food Processing Plant commended Dangote Cement for its commitment to the socio-economic development of its 17 host communities, describing the facility as a strategic intervention in agricultural value addition and rural empowerment.
Describing the project as a significant boost to the state’s agricultural development agenda and rural industrialization drive, he said the initiative aligns with Governor Dapo Abiodun’s vision of making agriculture a key driver of economic growth through value addition and enterprise development.
The Commissioner disclosed that “over 166,000 farmers, including more than 90,000 cassava farmers, have been registered under the Ogun State Farmers Information Management System (OGFIMS) to benefit from government interventions”.
He urged the community to safeguard the facility and assured residents of the continued support of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration towards agricultural development and food security.
He highlighted ongoing interventions by the state government—including the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP), the Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) and FADAMA-OG CARES—which have supported thousands of cassava farmers with training, mechanization and improved access to inputs.
“This processing plant will strengthen the cassava value chain, improve product quality, create jobs and enhance food security while boosting farmers’ incomes,” the Commissioner stated.
In his remark, the Ewekoro Local Government Council, Hon. Sikiru Adesina Adisa who was represented by his Vice, Vice Chairman, Hon. Abisola Aliyu, described the facility as a transformative project that would ease the burden of traditional cassava processing methods and improve overall productivity.
He also commended Dangote Cement for its continued commitment to inclusive growth and impactful social investment in host communities saying “This project will stimulate local enterprise, create employment opportunities and support government efforts at poverty reduction and food security at the grassroots,” the council noted.
The traditional ruler of the community, Oba Kayode Kusoro, the Olu of Aga Olowo in whose domain the project is sited, commended Dangote Cement for fulfilling its Corporate Social Responsibility obligations under the Community Development Agreement signed with the host communities.
The monarch appealed to residents to “protect the facility from vandalism and theft”, while urging the company to sustain its support for the community. He praised the collaboration between the private sector, government and local residents, expressing confidence that the plant would become a major hub for cassava processing and wealth creation in the area.
Speaking on behalf of women processors beneficiaries in Kajola, Mrs. Abosede Onifade expressed excitement over the facility, noting that it would significantly ease production processes and enable large-scale output.
“With this mill, we can now produce in larger quantities with less stress. We are grateful to Dangote Cement for improving our livelihoods,” she said.
The modern facility is expected to provide a ready market for cassava farmers, enhance processing efficiency and contribute to long-term socio-economic development across Ewekoro and adjoining communities.
