The Ogun State Government has applauded Dangote Cement Plc for establishing and handing over a state-of-the-art garri and fufu processing facility, describing the initiative as a transformative investment that will strengthen the cassava value chain, enhance food security, create jobs, and improve the livelihoods of farming communities.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Bolu Owotomo, stated that the facility represents a major step towards agricultural industrialisation and value addition, noting that it would reduce post-harvest losses, improve product quality, expand market opportunities for farmers, and increase the competitiveness of locally produced food products.

He described the intervention as a clear demonstration of the Dangote Group’s commitment to sustainable development and inclusive economic growth, adding that the project aligns with the Ogun State Government’s vision of transforming agriculture into a modern, profitable, and market-driven sector.

According to the Commissioner, the facility would serve as a catalyst for job creation, wealth generation, rural industrialisation, and economic prosperity, while reinforcing agriculture's critical role as a key driver of the state's economy.

“Agriculture remains central to the economic agenda of Governor Dapo Abiodun. Through strategic programmes and targeted investments, we are repositioning the sector to become more productive, mechanised, technology-driven, and attractive to investors,” he said.

Owotomo highlighted major government interventions, which included the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP), the Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), and FADAMA OGCARES, which have significantly expanded agricultural productivity and farmer support across the state.

He disclosed that over 16,000 cassava farmers have been mobilised and trained under OGSTEP, while more than 12,400 beneficiaries have received direct production support, further noted that government subsidised 65 per cent of mechanisation costs, leaving farmers to contribute only 35 per cent, while also providing a 50 per cent subsidy on improved cassava stems, fertilisers, herbicides, and pesticides.

The Commissioner emphasised that farmers are also linked to reliable off-takers to guarantee market access and improve profitability describing the Dangote facility as both timely and strategic,  which would help bridge critical processing gaps within the cassava value chain, increase value addition, and unlock greater economic opportunities for rural communities.

He assured Dangote Cement Plc of the state's continued support and reaffirmed the government's commitment to strengthening all agricultural value chains, including cassava, maize, aquaculture, cocoa, and cotton.

The Commissioner also highlighted the achievements of the Ogun State Farmers Information Management System (OGFIMS), the state's digital agricultural database, which has successfully registered over 160,000 farmers, including approximately 90,000 cassava farmers.

According to him, the platform also captures aggregators, off-takers, input dealers, suppliers, and mechanisation service providers, enabling data-driven planning, efficient intervention delivery, and the promotion of cluster farming across the state.

He expressed confidence that stronger partnerships between government and private sector organisations such as Dangote Cement Plc would accelerate agricultural transformation, increase food production, and improve rural livelihoods across Ogun State.

Earlier, the Plant Director of Dangote Cement, Ibese, Mr. Ayyagari Subbaraidu, described the project as a strategic social investment and a landmark achievement in the company's efforts to promote sustainable economic development within its host communities.

He explained that the garri processing section was equipped with a five-tonne-per-day peeling machine, two 30-tonne hydraulic presses, two mild steel frying pans, and two stainless steel sieves, all designed to improve efficiency, boost productivity, and reduce the drudgery associated with traditional processing methods.

Subbaraidu added that the fufu processing section comprises eight concrete-tiled fermentation basins supported by an adequate water supply system to ensure efficient and hygienic operations.

He noted that the facility underscores Dangote Cement's commitment to empowering local communities, supporting agribusiness development, and creating sustainable economic opportunities for rural households.