The Bayelsa State
Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with DPP
International, Denmark, for the establishment of a Cassava Farm and Plant for
processing starch in the state.
Speaking at the MOU
signing ceremony at Government House, Yenagoa, Governor Seriake Dickson noted that the partnership
is an opportunity to add value to the Cassava product which serves as an
important source of food for the people.
According to the
Governor, who was represented by His Deputy, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha
John-Jonah (rtd), stated that the establishment of a cassava processing plant
in the state will encourage the production of the crop.
He also stated that
the factories to be built will create job opportunities and support the manpower
development needs of the state.
The State Chief Executive commended the Danish
company for their decision to partner with the state to develop its abundant
potentials in the agricultural sub-sector.
The Governor noted
that the dearth of industries in the state is responsible for the low Gross
Domestic Product (GDP) index of the state as compared to other states of the
federation and urged the company to help government achieve its dream of
industrialization.
This, he said,
prompted government to set up the Bayelsa State Development Company, which is among
other things saddled with responsibility of supervising all the industries to
be established in the state.
Governor Dickson
used the occasion to call on DPP International, Denmark to also explore other
areas it could collaborate with the state government promising that government,
on its part, will do everything possible to make the partnership successful.
According to him,
Nigeria remains the biggest economy in West Africa followed by Lagos State, and
the state is eager to exploit all avenues to become a global player in various
sectors of the economy.
In his earlier
remarks, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, DPP International,
Denmark, Mr. Wolfgang Holz explained that the company is experienced enough to
provide a medium level technology through the establishment of the Cassava Farm
and Processing Plant, having undertaken similar assignments in South Asia and
Brazil.
Mr. Holz stated that
DPP wants to establish farms that will be run professionally in the state as
well as develop better methods of farming noting that the environment is suited
for the venture.
He said that
starch, which is the main nutrients in the cassava crop, can be refined to
provide other alternative sources of food such as noodles and pasta, glucose,
sweetener as well as for use in the paper products industry..
The MD/CEO of DPP
further said that with the establishment of the farms and starch processing
plant in the state, Bayelsa and Nigeria in general will gain access into the
international market.
He expressed the
belief that, despite the obvious challenges, the partnership will be a success
and assured government of its commitment to the project.
Daniel
Iworiso-Markson
Chief Press
Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State
07/09/2012
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