10 billion Dollars On Rice Cultivation To Alleviate Poverty
Africa’s leading group and highest cement producer- Dangote Group at the just concluded 2017 Gateway Trade Fair has revealed plans to invest $1billion in rice cultivation to boost food sufficiency and alleviate poverty in the continent.
Held in Abeokuta, Nigeria, the subsidiary company of the Group, Dangote Cement, distributed several tools and equipment to the block-makers in Ogun State in appreciation of their patronages. Tools such as wheel barrowers, shovels, umbrellas and hand gloves were donated to the people who arrived from different states in Nigeria.
Emerged as the second most patronised exhibitor during the 10-day trade fair, Dangote Flour appreciated their 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 as participants jetted in for their daily food. Customers were rewarded with branded coolers, kitchen aprons, exercise books and customized ladles.
The President of Ogun State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OGUNCCIMA) Mrs. Adesola Adebutu said the support provided by the Dangote Group made the staging of the Fair a commendable one.
Mrs. Adebuta commended the Pan African Company for its impressive strides in economic development of the country through massive investments in several sectors of the economy. She described the feat as worthy of emulation by other Corporate groups.
One of the Directors of the Dangote Group – Tunde Mabogunje who represented the Group at the special day, noted that the partnership with OGUNCCIMA is beneficial as Ogun State is the host of the 12 Dangote Cement Plant, Ibese, the second largest cement plant in Nigeria.
“Through the plant provides thousands of direct and indirect jobs in the state. As a responsible corporate citizen, we participate fully in all events and activities designed to drive social and economic welfare of the state,” he said.
Describing the theme for this year’s Trade Fair-“Promoting Agricultural Value Chain through SMEs for Nigeria Economic Recovery” as aptly selected, he said the nation is now paying attention to Agriculture, which has the potential of becoming the major driver of the economy instead of oil. He commended the Dangote Group for being at the forefront of job creation in African.
Director Mabogunje said the Group has greatly contributed to the growth and development of the Nigerian economy. In beefing up agriculture, he said the Group is 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. He added that the delays and disruptions experienced in waiting for imported fertilizer will come to a halt.
He stated that, they are investing about $1 billion in rice cultivation, adding that, “we have an out-growers scheme where thousands of farmers are empowered with improved seeds and items needed to cultivate rice.”
Credit: Dangote Media and Communications
Submitted by By Elkass Sannoh
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