Ebun Francis || President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday made his first official trip outside Abuja to Kaduna to inaugurate an integrated poultry farm and animal feed mill in Chikun Local Government Area of the state.
The mill owned by Olam International is said to be largest in sub-Saharan Africa.
The leading agri-business operates in 70 countries, supplying food and industrial raw materials to over 23,000 customers worldwide.
The new establishment consists of a feed mill, hatchery and breeder farm.
President Buhari in his speech read by Audu Ogbeh, the Agriculture Minister, described Olam as one of the largest agro-based companies in Africa and the biggest poultry investment in Nigeria.
“We participated in the event because it is clear evidence that economic growth is taking place especially in the agricultural sector,” he said.
“It is in this connection that we must be able to feed ourselves from what we grow and grow what we eat before we can comfortably turn our attention to many other key concepts of our daily life.’’
The aim, Mr. Buhari said, was to ensure that Nigerians have access to food, better life, and better hope for their future.
According to him, the inauguration of the company is a testimony that growth is serious and lasting growth is taking place in the economy.
The president stressed that with Nigeria exiting recession, the country has become a safe haven for investors.
The $150m Mill is expected to produce 180 tons of corn annually.
With agency report