El-Rufai Performs Ground-Breaking Of $120M Potato Processing Company

From Julius B. Kezi, Kaduna
Kaduna State Government on Friday performed the ground breaking ceremony of the $120 Million VICAMPRO potato Farm and processing facility in Manchok Kaura Local Government Area of the state.
The farm, which is expected to cover over 10,000 hectares of land would also generate 30,000 jobs for youth.
Performing the ceremony, the State Governor, Ahmed Nasir El-Rufai, said the farm would in no small way earn foreign exchange and reduce over dependence on oil.
The governor said the state, in its quest to diversify the economy and boost internally generated revenue, was determined to promote agricultural practices to the fast track development.
Malam El-Rufai urged the host community to support and cooperate with VICAMPRO to pave way for the attainment of its mission.
Also speaking at the event, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefele lamented the drop in oil prices, which has drastically affected the country’s economy, hence the need for diversification as the only alternative.
The CBN Governor said there was need for synergy between all stake-holders to actualize the initiative, and commended the Kaduna State Government for supporting the CBN to guarantee stable micro-economy.
Emefele assured that the CBN would collaborate with the State Government to translate the idea to reality, for the benefit of all.
In a remark, the Minister of State of Trade and Investment, Hajiya Aisha Abubakar described the development as a giant stride towards moving the economy forward.
In his address, Managing Director of VICAMPRO Company, Michael Agbogo, said the processing company upon completion would produce French fries, Irish Flakes and biscuits for local and international consumption.
Giving his Royal blessing, the Chief of Moroa, Dr. Tagwai Sambo, expressed gratitude to the state Government and the company for sitting the firm in Manchok and assured the community’s cooperation.
Other dignitaries that graced the occasion included the Chiefs of Kagoro, Mr. Ufuwai Bonet, the Chief of Takad, Mr. Tobias Nkom Wada, the Emir of Jema’a Alh Muhammad Isa Muhammadu, the Emir of Birnin Gwari, and the representative of the emir of Zazzau Alh Umaru Mijinyawa (Makaman Zazzau) amongst others.