Kogi Govt concern about early take off of Alape SCPZ

Kogi State Government says it is categorical about its commitment to the Staple Crop Processing Zone in Alape area of Kogi State, with a promise to deliver its own part of the project.

Part of efforts to affirm its commitment to the SCPZ, was the pledge to embark on the payment of compensation to land owners as soon as the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development and the Ministry of Agriculture work out the modalities.

Capt Idris Wada, Kogi State Governor, underscored the state's seriousness and pledge in a keynote address delivered at the round-table status review meeting on the staple crop processing zone, held in Lokoja.

The round-table meeting, Capt Wada explained was called for the stakeholders involved in the project to take a comprehensive look at the SCPZ project at Alape, lamented the delay in the takeoff of the project.

The Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Yomi Awoniyi, at the meeting said the rural people in Alape who generously donated their large chunk of land for the project are worried as to when Cargill would transform the land into a cassava growing area for the global market as well as when the expected loan to kick start the project would be released by the World Bank, also expressed concern over the project particularly with the departure of the former Minister of Agriculture.

While he commended the declaration by President Mohammadu Buhari, that Agriculture would be his flagship project, Capt Wada, also praised the determination of the current administration of President Buhari to move the nation from a monolithic economy, a decision the governor maintains gives hope for the quick take off of the Staple Crop Processing Zone.

Capt Wada called for a synergy by Cargill, the World Bank, GEMS3 and others towards propelling collective efforts that would move the project forward.

Capt Wada urged the stakeholders involved in the SCPZ to rededicate their commitment to the project, so as not to fail the rural communities, President Buhari and the international world.
While noting that the SCPZ project calls for a symbiotic relationship of all as a win- win situation, Capt Wada says he looks forward to having Cargill moves to site in the next three months and hopes to see the Alape SCPZ up and running within the next six to eight months.

In their separate remarks, the representatives of Cargill, GEMS3, World Bank, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, all pledged their resolve to the take off of the SCPZ at Alape, and commended the state government's effort, describing it at heart warming.