L
LequteMan
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Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo of Kingsway International Christian Centre, is a farmer. He owns a 140-acre rice farm at Ofada in Ogun state, the biggest in the south west, according to PUNCH.
Speaking to newsmen, he said he went into farming in order to create jobs and encourage Nigerians to get back into agriculture.
“I believe we should not just talk but put our words into action,” he said.
He said the company planted about 500 acres of cassava during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. He said no encouragement had been given into the earlier plan to make cassava a major ingredient of bread in the country since Obasanjo left.
“All the investment we put into the cultivation of cassava went to waste. Then we decided on rice as a result of the proximity of the land to Ofada. We realised that it had the potential of creating jobs and reduce importation.
“As far as we know, this is the biggest rice farm in the South West and we intend to expand to 200 acres next year.”
Asked if his company got incentives from the Federal Government for the venture, Ashimolowo explained that his consultation with the Minister of Agriculture had not been finalised.
“Our plan is to continue to increase cultivation to drive down the price so that Ofada rice will no longer be seen as exotic. We are in discussion with the Seeds Council as well on the possibility of selling the rice seeds for distribution to other farmers.
#Ashimolowo #Ofada #Rice
Speaking to newsmen, he said he went into farming in order to create jobs and encourage Nigerians to get back into agriculture.
“I believe we should not just talk but put our words into action,” he said.
He said the company planted about 500 acres of cassava during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. He said no encouragement had been given into the earlier plan to make cassava a major ingredient of bread in the country since Obasanjo left.
“All the investment we put into the cultivation of cassava went to waste. Then we decided on rice as a result of the proximity of the land to Ofada. We realised that it had the potential of creating jobs and reduce importation.
“As far as we know, this is the biggest rice farm in the South West and we intend to expand to 200 acres next year.”
Asked if his company got incentives from the Federal Government for the venture, Ashimolowo explained that his consultation with the Minister of Agriculture had not been finalised.
“Our plan is to continue to increase cultivation to drive down the price so that Ofada rice will no longer be seen as exotic. We are in discussion with the Seeds Council as well on the possibility of selling the rice seeds for distribution to other farmers.
#Ashimolowo #Ofada #Rice
