The Ondo state government has said that no fewer than 2,434 cassava farmers had been engaged for its ethanol project proposed to boost the economy of the State.
Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo state, who spoke at a stakeholders breakfast meeting in Akure, the state capital, noted that the move was aimed at industrializing the State through an agricultural project tagged, “Cassava Revolution to Ethanol”.
The breakfast meeting facilitated by the Alex Ajipe led Klick Connect Networks had in attendance the Representatives of financial institutions, including the Central Bank of Nigeria( CBN) and foreign partners.
Governor Akeredolu commended the company for the initiative which he said would further boost his government’s industrialisation drive.
The Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture, urged all stakeholders to ensure success of the project.
Speaking earlier, Ajipe who is the chairman of Klick Connect Networks explained that the meeting was called to lay bare the project, x-ray the potentials and challenges
He added that the project would ensure food security and create employment opportunities in the state.
“We are bringing in logistics company that will ensure optimum realization. 2,434 farmers are needed in three hectares per each farmer for 146 tons of cassava. If all these are not coordinated, we will not know if government is working or the employment is being created,” he said.
Also speaking, wife of the governor, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu who commended the initiative, however pleaded for inclusion of women in the cassava to ethanol project.
YOMI AYELESO, Akure
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