Uzere cassava processing plant acquired for 96m

 

Mr. Kingsley Eze Emu, Commissioner for Commerce and lndustry

•    Acquisition will resuscitate the cassava plant – Emu
•    Money realized would be used to construct administrative building – ldele
By Simeon Okworide
THE Delta State Government has acquired the Uzere cassava processing plant built by Isoko South Local Government for the sum of 96m in order to revamp the facility of its cassava production and sales.
The State Commissioner for lndustry, Mr. Kingsley Emu made this disclosure recently during the signing of Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) between the State Government and Isoko South Local Government in his office at Asaba. The State Government also acquired 11 square miles of land in lrri for the cultivation of cassava products which will enhance the plant productivity.
Mr. Emu who was enthusiastic over the current development explained that the acquisition will resuscitate the cassava plant which has been unproductive for years and pointed out that the State Government and Isoko South Local Government will work together in unity to ensure that the MOU is successfully implemented without any hindrance. According to Mr. Emu, the State Government and Isoko South Council will hold 20% equity each, the private investors 15% while the grower co-operative will hold 45% respectively.
The transition committee chairman of Isoko South Local Government Area, Engr. Goodluck ldele who spoke through the phone conversation, he confirmed the acquisition of the Uzere cassava processing plant by the State Government. He (ldele) explained that only about 70 million naira came to council confers and council decided to use the money prudently and judiciously by investing the money for the construction of a befitting administrative building for the local government.
“lt was the decision of the council to use the money realized from the acquisition to construct an administrative building for the benefit of all Isoko south people.” He said.
He (ldele) expressed joy and satisfaction over the acquisition of the cassava processing plant because, according to him, the acquisition will usher in social economic development when fully operational.
“The cassava processing plant will add to the social-economic development of our people, the state and the nation, especially in the area of employment and commercial attraction for investors.” He said.