Commissioning
By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal
Ilorin, Dec. 30, 2025 (NAN) The Kwara Government in collaboration with the Kwara State Association of Nigerians in the UK, has inaugurated an Ultra-modern Cassava factory in Osin-Pakate, Ilorin East Local Government Area.
Speaking at the ceremony on Tuesday, Dr Afees Abolore-Alabi, the state’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, said the cooperative-led programme aligned with the state’s agricultural development priorities.
He stated that it was a significant milestone in strengthening cassava value addition and agro-processing in the state.
Abolore-Alabi noted that the project demonstrated how farmer organisations supported by the right policies and partnerships could drive sustainable agribusiness growth.
He explained that cassava value addition played a critical role in reducing post-harvest losses, improving product quality, increasing farmers’ incomes, and creating employment opportunities for youths and women.
He added that the initiative would contribute immensely to food security, supply of industrial raw materials, and rural economic development.
The commissioner acknowledged the partnership between the state and diaspora stakeholders, describing their collective investment as a strong vote of confidence in cassava production and processing opportunities within the state.
Abolore-Alabi emphasised that cooperative organisations remained a key pillar in the government’s strategy for inclusive agricultural development.
“The role of the Kwara Government is to provide an enabling environment through supportive policies, infrastructure development, capacity building, and strategic collaboration with cooperatives and the private sector.
“The progress being recorded across the cassava value chain reflects the development agenda of the government whose administration continues to prioritise agricultural transformation through strategic partnerships and investor-friendly policies,” he said.
The commissioner pointed out that the factory was expected to process cassava into products such as garri (granulated flakes), high-quality cassava flour, starch, and other value-added derivatives for household consumption and industrial use.
He noted that the initiative complemented ongoing efforts to strengthen the cassava value chain through improved access to inputs, extension services, and market linkages aimed at increasing productivity and profitability for farmers across the state.
In his remarks, Dr Mustapha Salary, the Chairman of Kwara State Association of Nigerians in the UK Farmers, commended the Kwara Government for creating a supportive environment that made the project possible.
He encouraged Nigerians in the diaspora, particularly people from Kwara to invest back home as a way of contributing to community development, state growth, and national progress.
Salawu noted that the State’s
vast arable land and strategic location as a gateway between northern and southern Nigeria made it an attractive destination for agricultural and agribusiness investment.
According to him, the cassava factory is expected to reduce post-harvest losses, improve market access for cassava farmers, and stimulate economic activities within Osin-Pakate and surrounding communities. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
FATY/OJI/IU
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Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/ Isaac Ukpoju