Kogi Govt Acquires 12,500 Hectares Of Land For “Cassava City”

Kogi state government said it has acquired 12,500 hectares of land for its proposed “Cassava City”.

The state government who disclosed that clearing had commenced on the land, called on investors for partnership.

Naija News gathered that the project which is being handled by the Agricultural Development Project under its Fair Agric Project (FAP).

Kogi ADP Managing Director, Mr. Oyisi Okatahi, who made the disclosure in Lokoja, the State capital, according to Vanguard, said that the cassava city is located at Osara, adding that the state government plans to start with 100 hectares while private investors can make use of the remaining.

Mr. Okatahi said, “As I speak, we are currently clearing land to build a new agric city called the Cassava city located at Osara. We appreciate the good people of Osara for donating their land free of charge for this project.

“The Osara cassava city, is the first of its kind in Kogi State. It is the first city to be built under the Fair Agric Project (FAP). It will contain the entire value chain of Cassava, such as farmers, agro chemical and equipment dealers, extension agents, processors, and so on. The city will be powered with off grid Solar energy, furthermore it will have various amenities such as residences, clinics and educational institutions. We shall also ensure order, security and organization.

“We will be giving out land free to any body who invest in it. There is also opportunity to receive subsidy inputs like fertilizers and herbicides. Also available is insurance to mitigate against risk. All you need to do is apply online or at our head office or any zonal office. We shall pre-qualify you. No need for connections, it is based on first come first serve basis.

He added,”Kogi is the number one Cassava producer in Nigeria. Cassava is high in demand today, we already have two major processing companies UNICANE and Crest Agro with a combined daily capacity of 2,500 MT whereas they can only source about 10 percent. More so, a tonne of Cassava is priced between N20,000 – N26,000. At these prices you can get 80-100% return on your investment. In other words, you can double your money in 10 months.”

Okatahi also commended the state governor, Yahaya Bello for his commitment towards agricultural development in the state.

Okatahi therefore, urged farmers and the unemployed to partner with the government.

“Take your destiny into your hands. If you can’t find a job, this is an opportunity to create one. Don’t wait for the perfect condition or for someone to spoon feed you. Stop complaining, arise, be proactive. Partner with your friends and see if you can form a cooperative and cultivate even 1 hectare together,” he advised.