By Janet John, Lafia
The Nasarawa State Government, Friday, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Flour Mills Nigeria (FMN) to establish sugar company in Toto Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.
Governor Sule, at the signing of the MoU at the Nasarawa State Government Lodge, Asokoro Abuja, said that the sugar company would stimulate economic activities, generate employment and bring development to the state.
Sule said the MoU was in fulfilment of his promise during inauguration two years ago, as he assured that the state government will ensure that majority of the workforce in the company are from the state so as to create employment opportunity for the youth.
According to Sule, the government had already provided land for the project and would collaborate with the Federal Government and security agencies to ensure smooth operation of the company in the state.
Sule added that the government want the company to also engage in massive production of cassava in the same area for flour production.
The Group Managing Director (GMD)/ Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of FMN, Mr Omoboyede Olusanya, In his address, disclosed that the company would invest an initial $300 million in the project and would cover 20, 450 hecters of land.
The GMD, whom lauded the state government for partnering with the company, said the sugar company would stimulate economic activities in the state and provide employment opportunity to the people of the state.
Olusanya added that as part of their social corporate responsibility, the company will also build schools and recreational facilities among others in the area.
On his part, Richard Adeniyi-Adebayo, Minister of Trade, Industry and Investment commended the Nasarawa State Governor for keying into the Federal Government efforts to diversify the economic, as he charged other governors to emulate Governor Sule in order to make the country self sufficient and even export agricultural products.
Present to witness the signing were Richard Adeniyi-Adebayo, Minister of Trade, Industry and Investment, Governors of Borno and Kwara States, Professor Umar Zulum, Abdurraman Abdulrazak among others.
It would be reported that the MD/CEO of Nasarawa State Investment & Development Agency (NASIDA), Barrister Ibrahim Abdullahi and the Secretary to the Government of Nasarawa State, Barrister Mohammed Ubandoma Aliyu, signed the agreement on behalf of the state government, while the MD/CEO, Flour Mills Nigeria Plc and the company’s secretary, signed on behalf of the investors.
