By Mike Oboh
In continuation of the study tour to Special Agro Processing Zones in Ethiopia initiated by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development,the Governor of Kano State Dr.Abdullahi Umar Ganduje represented by his Deputy, Dr.Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna has visited the Yirgalem Integrated Agro-industrial Park which is located on 294 hectares in the South-Central Sidama National Regional State.
Briefing the delegation on arrival, the Board Chairman of the Sidama Industry Park Corporation, Dr.Ararso Geremen said the aim of the facility is to help drive the structural transformation of the economy as well as focus on agro-industries,create jobs and opportunities for skills development.
“The Park will help towards attracting local and foreign investors in agro-food, currently some of the production sites are engaged in avocado oil,honey and organic coffee processing he explained”.
He noted with delight the importance of the visit and assured of cooperation and support to Kano State to achieve its goals in the agricultural sector.
On his part,the Governor said they were in the East African Country to copy the giant strides it has made in the agricultural sector.
“We are here to seek for greater cooperation with you on how to develop our Special Agro Processing Zone”.
“Kano State Government is highly committed towards establishing its Special Agro Processing Zone hub at Bagauda in order to boost the economy of the State, support small holder farmers and strengthen drive for attracting investors Gawuna said”.
The Governor however applauds the existing relationship between the Ethiopian Government and the people of Kano State.
He was also at Sunfavado Factory which produces avocado oil and is situated within the Yirgalem Integrated Agro-industrial Park,this is following his earlier visit to Bulbula Integrated Agro Industrial Park located on 271 hectares of land and specialised in agro-processing.
In attendance were the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Dr.Muhammad Mahmud Abubakar,Governors of Kwara and Ogun States Mal.Abdurrahman Abdurrazaq and Prince Dapo Abiodun respectively,Representatives of African Development Bank and other members of the technical team.
