By Ibironke Ariyo
Charles De Great Nigeria Ltd, an indigenous agricultural firm, is seeking partnership with the Bank of Agriculture (BOA) for mass production of rice, maize, cassava, among others on 7,000 hectares farmland.
Dr Chiadikaobi Chukwu, Chairman, Charles De Great Nigeria Ltd, made the appeal when he led officials of the firm on a courtesy visit to the Managing Director of BOA, Mr Alwan Hassan, on Friday in Abuja.
Chukwu said the firm acquired the land in Ondo and Osun states for mass production of paddy rice, maize, cassava, among others to support the food security programme of President Bola Tinubu.
He said that the firm aimed to develop large farmlands across the country as a deliberate avenue to create jobs and empower youths at the grassroots.
Chukwy said that the firm’s target was to develop farms in all the 36 states including Federal Capital Territory (FCT), adding that the basic interest was to make Nigeria meets its agenda on food security.
“Our interest is to bring the youths closer to agriculture and help meet the food security programme of the president.
“The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Dr George Akume, as well as some ministries, is aware of our commitment to improving the food production sector.
“We believe in the renewed hope initiative of the president especially in his commitment in the agriculture and solicit the supports of Nigerians.’’
He said that the Osun and Ondo farms would serve as the pilot scheme for the project; calling on more states to key into the project to fast track the expansion protocol across all states.
“We already have the support of traditional rulers in Ondo and Osun who gave us the lands.
“We are asking BOA to be our financing backbone and our technical and integration partner,’’ he said.
On his part, Chief Obinna Nwaka, the Director General, Committee on Youths Mobilisation and Sensitisation (CYMS), said the projects would be of benefits to the youths and the country at large.
Responding, Hassan, represented by the Head of Finance Department, Ms Joy Ocheh, commended the firm for the good work it had been doing.
Hassan said that the BOA would give technical support and advisory services where needed.
“We will give you our guidelines and our requirements and then will guide you to be able to proceed and acquire loan from us,’’ she said.
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