Dangote Cement Invests In Cassava Processing To Reduce Post-Harvest Losses

In a move aimed at reducing post-harvest losses and strengthening food security, Dangote Cement Plc, Ibese Plant, has commissioned and handed over a multi-million-naira cassava processing facility to its host community in Ogun State.

The garri and fufu processing plant, located in Kajola community, is expected to enhance agricultural value addition, improve rural livelihoods and create sustainable income opportunities for local farmers and women processors.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the plant director, Ayyagari Subbaraidu, described the project as a strategic intervention designed to improve cassava processing efficiency, minimise post-harvest losses and stimulate local economic activities.

According to him, the facility was delivered under the company’s Community Development Agreement (CDA) signed with its host communities in 2022.

“This project is aimed at improving cassava processing, reducing losses and creating sustainable employment for women and farmers in the community,” Subbaraidu said.

He explained that the processing centre comprises separate garri and fufu production units equipped with modern facilities, including a five-tonne-per-day peeling machine, hydraulic presses, frying systems, fermentation basins, solar-powered boreholes and sanitation infrastructure.

Subbaraidu noted that the facility would serve as a catalyst for economic growth by boosting productivity, supporting small-scale agribusinesses and expanding income-generating opportunities across Kajola and neighbouring communities.

He also urged community members and the Project Governance Committee to ensure transparency and proper maintenance of the facility to guarantee its sustainability.

Inaugurating the project, the Ogun State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Bolu Owotomo, commended Dangote Cement for supporting socio-economic development in its host communities.

He described the processing plant as a strategic investment in agricultural value addition and rural empowerment, adding that it aligns with Governor Dapo Abiodun’s vision of positioning agriculture as a key driver of economic growth.

Owotomo disclosed that more than 166,000 farmers, including over 90,000 cassava farmers, have been registered under the Ogun State Farmers Information Management System (OGFIMS) to benefit from various government interventions.

He said ongoing programmes such as the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP), the Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) and FADAMA-OG CARES have continued to provide farmers with training, mechanisation support and improved access to agricultural 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.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Ewekoro Local Government, Hon. Sikiru Adisa, represented by the Vice Chairman, Hon. Abisola Aliyu, described the facility as a transformative project that would ease the burden of traditional cassava processing methods and improve productivity.

He commended Dangote Cement for its commitment to inclusive growth and impactful social investments in host communities, noting that the project would stimulate local enterprise, generate employment and support poverty reduction efforts at the grassroots.

The traditional ruler of Aga Olowo, Oba Kayode Kusoro, in whose domain the project is located, praised Dangote Cement for fulfilling its Corporate Social Responsibility commitments under the Community Development Agreement with host communities.

The monarch urged residents to protect the facility against vandalism and theft and encouraged the company to maintain its support for community development initiatives.

He expressed confidence that the processing plant would emerge as a major hub for cassava processing and wealth creation in the area.

Speaking on behalf of women beneficiaries, Mrs. Abosede Onifade welcomed the initiative, saying the modern facility would significantly ease production processes and enable processors to increase output and earnings.