Ogun to establish rice processing factory early 2014

AS part of its determination to fortify its economic base, the Ogun-State government is to establish a rice processing factory at Eggua, Yewa North Local Government Area of the state.
The factory, which is expected to commence operation in the first quarter of 2014, will be used to process and package large volume of rice to reduce reliance on the imported rice brands in the country.
The factory is also expected to provide gainful employment to Ogun State youths, who are desirous of contributing their quota to the development of the state.
The state Commissioner for Agriculture, Mrs Ronke Sokefun, made this known while inaugurating the planting of 20 hectares of NERICA 8, developed by the Africa Rice Centre, Ibadan, which is the major material for the proposed rice processing factory at Eggua.

The commissioner, who said a total of 100 hectares would be planted and cultivated in all and in partnership with local farmers and cooperative groups, called on all and sundry to support government efforts at making the project a reality.
She, however, appealed to Fulani herdsmen in the area to stay away from the project, site as the state government could not afford to allow its resources and efforts to go down the drain because of cattle grazing.
Speaking at the project site, the Eleggua of Eggualand, Oba Adeleye Dosumu, commended the state government for its foresight and its decision to site the project in his domain.
He, therefore, assured the government of adequate security at the project site and his people’s support to various development programmes of the state government.