By Ankeli Emmanuel, Sokoto
Sokoto State Government in partnership with the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) Monday flagged off the construction of a cold onion facility to ensure stable availability of onion and reduce post harvest wastages.
Addressing jubilant farmers in More Village, Kware local government area of Sokoto, the state governor, Ahmed Aliyu agreed that the onion storage facility holds tremendous promise of economic development not just for the people of Sokoto State but the country at large.
“Sokoto State is blessed with immense agricultural potential. Among our many strengths, the onion value chain stands out exceptionally. For generations, our farmers have cultivated onions with dedication and expertise, making Sokoto the leading producer in Nigeria.
“Yet we also recognize that to unlock the full potential of this asset, we must deepen collaboration, modernize our production processes, and attract the kind of investment that can amplify our impact far beyond our borders,” he stressed.
While noting that economic empowerment and agricultural development form part of his 9-point smart innovative agenda, the governor maintained that his government has supported agriculture with subsidized farm inputs and other necessities for mechanized farming with billions of naira since assumption of office.
Speaking earlier, the Executive Director Investment, MOFI, Dr Femi Ogunsende said the initiative will drastically reduce post harvest losses, stabilize onion prices throughout the year, improve farmer incomes and create new jobs for the people of Sokoto.
“We believe deeply that when we can store food properly, we can secure the food, and when we secure the food, we secure livelihoods,” Dr Femi said.
On his part, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Mohammed Abubakar Saad, represented by the Magajin Rafin Sokoto, Alhaji Rilwanu Bello, said investment in agriculture guarantees food security and national stability.
Lending his voice to the development in his speech, Mr. Tunde Aloku from Mystrose Agro Commodities Limited, the implementing firm said the initiative under Novachill project is a bold national cold storage facility born from a shared vision to transform Nigeria’s food supply chain.
He also assured that the initiative will once again ensure a Nigeria with resilient efficient food systems and make agriculture a central engine of national prosperity.
