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From Olanrewaju Lawal Birnin Kebbi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday commissioned the 2,400 metric tonnes of tomato farming and processing facility of the GB Foods at Gafara, Ngaski Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, affirmed the commitment of his administration to the Agriculture development of the country.
While speaking with newsmen after inspection and commissioned of the company, Tinubu insisted that his administration will continue to support Agriculture and Food Security as well providing conducive environment, necessary encouragement to private investors to invest in agricultural sector in line with his eight- point agenda.
He commended the GB foods for its huge investment in the country as demonstrated by its planned expansion of its processing facility.
Tinubu also commended the Spanish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Juan Sell, for personally visiting the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to invite the president to the commissioning ceremony.
While speaking in the event,the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Muhammad Idris, noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has invested enormous resources in Agricultural Development and created enabling environment for investors to invest in agriculture towards attainment of food security in the country.
According to him, ” the action of GB foods has discountenance those who think all bad things come out from Nigeria.
“The commissioning of the processing facility by the company is a very good story because it has shown that it is investing more and more in the country employing many people of which more than 70 per cent are women of all ages.”
Idris said that the establishment of the company and its sustainability was an indication of political collaboration between President Tinubu and Kebbi government on their penchant for improved agricultural production, food security and wealth creation.
The Minister thanked the company for its belief in Nigeria, assuring that the President would provide it with the necessary support and encouragement .
“I am happy that GB foods is the largest tomato processing plant in Africa as it processes 2,400 metric tones of Tomato per day.
” I urge you to remain dogged and I call on other investors to invest across the country,” he said.
Idris immensely commended Gov. Nasir Idris for providing necessary support and encouragement to the company initiated by former Governor, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu.
Also speaking, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu commended the president for placing premium on agricultural production and food security that manifested by GB foods for making significant contribution to food security.
“I commend the Spanish government for its supports to GB foods.
” I also commend Emir of Yauri, Dr Muhammad Zayyanu-Abdullahi, for mobilising the host community to be receptive to the activities of the company with the necessary support from the state government which has made significant achievement to raise the status of the company.
“From national planning perspective, Nigeria is a huge investment destination that can absorb thousands of private investment. There is twin narratives about disinvestment taking place but GB foods has responded to counter such claims through its expansion programme and operational stability, ” he said.
In his remark,Kebbi State Governor,Dr. Nasir Idris, lauded the Spanish Government for finding the state worthwhile for such huge investment in the agricultural sector.
Idris thanked the president for sending a high- powered delegation to the state to obtain first hand information and see things for themselves about the activities the largest tomato processing plant in Africa similar to WACOT rice mill in Argungu local government area of the state.
He gave an assurance that the the state would remain hospitable to all investors with the necessary enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
Idris requested the company to process its end product in the state without referral to Lagos State for processing.
In his remarks, the Spanish Ambassador, reiterated the commitment of Spain to partner with Nigeria in various sectors of the economy in spite of the challenges in the country.
