Unicem launches Community Business enhancement initiative in Cross River                      

The united Cement Company Nigerian Limited (Unicem) an associate of Lafarge Africa plc and member of the LafargeHolcim group, on Monday launched a community Business Enhancement Initiative tagged ” Cassava cluster Scheme .”

This initiative which will compliment the small holding farming is part of the Corporate Social Responsibilities of the organization, aimed at contributing to the socio-economic growth of its host communities and the economy of cross river state and Nigeria at large.

The Scheme aims to equipped participants with agricultural best practice, in line with international standards, which will culminate in the use of modern technologies for high yields, quality assurance, improved processing methods information on market linkages and export.

In the words of the company’s state Relations Manager inyang Bassey

“We believe that this initiative will create the much needed employment for members of our host communities, support government diversification drive and promote cassava value chain in the state.”

Bassey said the two day workshop was organized by Unicem in partnership with the Notragolio Nigeria Limited is to prepare the host community leaders and their cooperative societies for this scheme on a pilot basis.

“For now we are focusing on three local government areas of Akpabuyo, Akamkpa, and Calabar Municipality, who are within our operations. These LGAs have cooperatives societies who would drive the scheme for the benefits of the entire community. The communities are Kasuk community representing Municipality, Akasoko representing Akpabuyo and Ekon community representing Akamkpa all in cross river state,” Bassey said.

In his goodwill message, Cross River state Commissioner for information Rosemary Achibong said “This event I must say could not have come at a better time than now.”

 

MIKE ABANG