Gov. Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State has announced that the newly established modern tomatoes factory in Ngaski would begin production in March.
Malam Yahaya Sarki, Special Adviser to the governor on Media, made this known in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Birnin Kebbi on Monday.
Sarki said the governor made this known during a courtesy visit to the Emir of Yauri, Dr. Muhammad Zayyanu-Abdullahi in Yauri.
Bagudu told the Emir that he had already intimated President Muhammadu Buhari on the issue to seek for his blessings for the event.
He said: “Officials of GB Foods have informed me that plans are underway for the launching and commencement of production.
“I have also informed the Presidency about it and sought for permission for the event, between March 22 and 24 in Ngaski so that the President could join us virtually due to COVID-19 protocols.
“The advantages of the firm cannot in anyway be over emphasised, as it cannot come at a better time than now when more sources of revenues for the government are direly needed.”
He explained that the firm would boost the tomatoes value chain in the state, reduce unemployment and boost the economy of the state and Nigeria in general.
Bagudu further noted that the firm would help to reduce capital flight and boost food security in the country, saying that thousands would benefit from it, down the value chain .
The governor acknowledged the sustained support of the Emir towards the Buhari administration and that of Kebbi State and urged him to sustain the tempo.
According to him, Buhari has honoured Yauri Emirate and Kebbi State by completing the road construction in the area and appointing two illustrious sons of the state.
He listed the appointees as Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq and AbdulRasheed Bawa as the Pioneer Managing Director of Hydro Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC) and Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) respectively.
The Emir thanked the governor and his entourage for the visit, saying that Yauri Emirate would always remain grateful to the governor for the various developments in the area.
Bagudu was accompanied on the visit by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), Alhaji Sahabi Lolo, APC Zonal Vice Chairman, Kebbi North and top Government officials. (NAN)
