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ONDO SIGNS MOU WITH ZILEX LTD FOR CULTIVATION OF 5,000-HECTARE COCOA PLANTATION
The Ondo State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with ZILEX Limited on the establishment, cultivation and management of cocoa plantation in the state.
The project is being proposed on 5,000 hectares of land at Ala Forest Reserve in Akure North Local Government Area in the Central Senatorial District of the State.
The business concern to be carried out under a Public-Private Partnership is aimed at complimenting the efforts of the Aiyedatiwa administration in creating a robust economy.
The Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti signed on behalf of the State Government while the Managing Director of ZILEX Limited, Engr. Alex Omaghomi and Secretary of the Company, Mohammed Balogun signed on behalf of the company.
Also on the team was the Ondo State Director of the Company and the Operations Manager, Joseph Fagboyegun.
The Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti said the development is part of the components of the “Our Ease” Agenda of the Aiyedatiwa administration aimed at providing jobs for the teeming youths and also add value to farmers in the state.
Dr. Fasoranti stated that “Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa is desirous of exploiting its natural resources, in addition to adding value in the agricultural sector by giving farmers greater income opportunities, especially its arable land through massive investments in agriculture and agri-business by high net-worth individuals and credible private investors”.
The Secretary to Stare Government emphasized that Ondo State is endowed with favourable and climatic conditions suitable for planting economic, exotic and Indigenous trees.
In his speech, the Managing Director of ZILEX Limited, Engr. Alex Omaghomi said the company was motivated by the commitment of the Aiyedatiwa administration to develop the state in terms of infrastructure while human capacity development is also given priority.
He said the company has the technical capabilities to implement successfully the operation and management of cocoa plantation and related products for maximum outputs and youth employment on the leased property.
Various processes of ensuring the realisation of the project is to commence with priority given to environmental protection.
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