Dangote Cement Unveils New State-of-the-Art Cassava Processing Plant in Ogun

Dangote Cement Plc has commissioned a modern cassava processing plant in Ogun State as part of its commitment to advancing food security, empowering rural communities, and strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural value chain.

The newly inaugurated facility, located in Kajola Host Community, Ewekoro Local Government Area, is designed to process cassava into garri, fufu, and other value-added products, creating a sustainable market for local cassava farmers while reducing post-harvest losses.

The project forms part of the company’s Community Development Agreement (CDA) signed with its 17 host communities in 2022 and reflects Dangote Cement’s broader corporate social responsibility strategy focused on economic empowerment and sustainable community development.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Ayyagari Subbaraidu, Plant Director of Dangote Cement’s Ibese Plant, described the processing centre as a transformative investment that will improve cassava processing efficiency, expand income opportunities, and create employment, particularly for women and smallholder farmers.

According to him, the facility was established to enhance agricultural value addition while supporting local processors with modern equipment capable of increasing production capacity.

“This project is aimed at improving cassava processing, reducing losses and creating sustainable employment for women and farmers in the community,” he said.

Modern Processing Equipment to Improve Productivity

Subbaraidu disclosed that the facility is equipped with modern cassava processing technology designed to improve efficiency and increase production capacity. The plant features a five-tonne-per-day cassava peeling machine, dedicated processing units for garri and fufu, hydraulic pressing systems, modern frying equipment, fermentation basins, solar-powered boreholes, as well as sanitation and other supporting infrastructure to ensure seamless operations.

He explained that the advanced facility would significantly improve productivity for local processors while serving as a catalyst for rural economic development across Kajola and neighbouring communities.

The plant director also urged members of the host community and the Project Governance Committee to ensure transparency and proper maintenance of the facility to guarantee its long-term sustainability.

ALSO READ: HENNIE NEL TAKES HELM AS SANLAMALLIANZ NEW CEO

Ogun Government Applauds Dangote’s Agricultural Investment

Commissioning the facility, Ogun State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Bolu Owotomo, praised Dangote Cement for investing in projects that directly support food security, rural industrialization, and agricultural development.

He described the processing plant as a strategic intervention that aligns with Governor Dapo Abiodun’s vision of transforming agriculture into a major driver of economic growth through value addition and enterprise development.

Owotomo revealed that more than 166,000 farmers, including over 90,000 cassava farmers, have been registered under the Ogun State Farmers Information Management System (OGFIMS), making them eligible for various government support programmes.

He noted that the state government has continued to strengthen the cassava value chain through initiatives such as the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP), the Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), and FADAMA-OG CARES, which provide farmers with improved inputs, mechanization support, and technical training.

According to the commissioner, the new processing facility will improve product quality, expand employment opportunities, increase farmers’ incomes, and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s food security objectives.

Local Government, Traditional Ruler Welcome Development

Representing the Chairman of Ewekoro Local Government Council, Vice Chairman Abisola Aliyu described the project as a major milestone for the community, noting that it would reduce the burden associated with traditional cassava processing while stimulating local enterprise.

He commended Dangote Cement for sustaining impactful community investments that support poverty reduction and inclusive economic growth.

Similarly, the traditional ruler of the host community, Oba Kayode Kusoro, the Olu of Aga Olowo, lauded the company for fulfilling its commitments under the Community Development Agreement.

The monarch encouraged residents to protect the facility from vandalism and theft, stressing that the processing plant has the potential to become a major centre for cassava processing, wealth creation, and rural industrial development in Ogun State.

Women Processors Hail New Facility

Speaking on behalf of women beneficiaries in Kajola, Abosede Onifade expressed appreciation for the investment, saying the modern equipment would dramatically reduce production stress while enabling processors to produce larger quantities of garri and fufu.

She noted that the processing centre would improve livelihoods for women engaged in cassava processing and expand income-generating opportunities across the community.

With its modern technology and strategic location, the cassava processing plant is expected to provide a reliable market for cassava farmers, improve agricultural productivity, strengthen Nigeria’s cassava value chain, and contribute to sustainable socio-economic development in Ogun State.