Dangote Cement Plc, through its Ibese Plant in Ogun State, has commissioned a modern cassava processing facility in Kajola community as part of efforts to reduce post-harvest losses, improve food security, and support rural economic development.
The multi-million-naira project, which includes separate garri and fufu processing units, was officially handed over to the host community under the company’s Community Development Agreement (CDA) signed in 2022. The initiative is expected to improve cassava processing, increase productivity, and provide sustainable income opportunities for farmers and women involved in cassava production.
Speaking during the inauguration, the Plant Director of Dangote Cement Ibese, Ayyagari Subbaraidu, said the project was designed to solve challenges associated with cassava processing while creating employment opportunities for members of the community.
According to him, the facility is equipped with modern machines and infrastructure to make processing faster, safer, and more efficient. These include a peeling machine capable of handling five tonnes of cassava daily, hydraulic presses, advanced frying equipment, fermentation tanks, solar-powered boreholes, and sanitation facilities.
Subbaraidu explained that the processing centre would help reduce waste after harvest, improve the quality of cassava products, and encourage the growth of small-scale agricultural businesses in Kajola and nearby communities.
He also urged members of the community and the Project Governance Committee to properly manage and maintain the facility to ensure it serves future generations.
The Ogun State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Bolu Owotomo, praised Dangote Cement for investing in the welfare of its host communities. He described the project as a major contribution to agricultural development and rural empowerment.
Owotomo noted that the processing plant supports the Ogun State Government’s vision of making agriculture a major driver of economic growth. He revealed that more than 166,000 farmers, including over 90,000 cassava farmers, have already been registered under the Ogun State Farmers Information Management System (OGFIMS) to benefit from government agricultural programmes.
He added that initiatives such as the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP), the Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), and FADAMA-OG CARES are helping farmers through training, mechanisation, and improved access to farming inputs.
According to the commissioner, the new processing centre will strengthen the cassava value chain, improve product quality, create jobs, increase farmers’ earnings, and contribute to better food security across the state.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of Ewekoro Local Government, Hon. Sikiru Adisa, represented by Vice Chairman Hon. Abisola Aliyu, described the project as a major step toward modernising cassava processing in the area. He said it would reduce the burden of manual processing, encourage local businesses, create employment, and support poverty reduction.
The traditional ruler of Aga Olowo, Oba Kayode Kusoro, commended Dangote Cement for fulfilling its promises under the Community Development Agreement. He appealed to residents to safeguard the facility from vandalism and misuse while encouraging the company to continue supporting community development projects.
On behalf of the women beneficiaries, Mrs. Abosede Onifade expressed appreciation to Dangote Cement, saying the modern processing centre would make their work easier, improve production capacity, and increase their earnings.
The new facility is expected to become an important centre for cassava processing, helping farmers add value to their produce while supporting economic growth and food security in Ogun State.
