The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Plateau Duncan Fertilizer Company Limited, Dr. Godfrey Bawa Shitgurum, MON has assured farmers, citizens of Plateau State and Nigeria that standard would not be compromised as the company commence full manufacturing of Fertilizer in Plateau State. He stated that the Company is committed to the production of standard and farmer friendly fertilizer that would meet the needs of the farmers across the State and Nation.
He made these known during the official commissioning of the multi-billion naira Plateau Duncan Fertilizer Company situated at Larwin Heipang Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
He said “achieving sustainable agriculture to meet the society’s food needs without compromising standard informed the vision of establishing the company knowing fully well that Plateau State and other neighboring States comprised of a huge agrarian population”
He averred that the Company is a Public Private Partnership (PPP) between the Plateau State Government and Oil and Chemical International (OCI) Limited which is a subsidiary of the Duncan Group.
According to Dr. Godfrey “The Partnership was signed in August, 2016 for the purpose of establishing and operating an ultra-modern NPK Fertilizer blending plant that will ensure food security for all by boosting the productivity of the agrarian population of Plateau State and the Country at large.
He further stated that the facility is managed by a skilled and dedicated team of highly qualified professionals. He said the company also participate in the Federal Government’s Presidential Fertilizer initiative which provides fertilizers to farmers at a subsidized rate.
Senator Rochas Okorocha Chairman of the occasion in his remark said Plateau State is endowed with huge potentials with agricultural potential being one. He disclosed that the plant would boost agriculture and provide means of livelihood to many who will be gainfully engaged. He appreciated people of Heipang Community for allowing the investment in their domain urging them to guard and protect it jealously. He charged government at all levels to focus more on agriculture and education if a prosperous nation is to be achieved.
Speaking at the event, the Governor of Plateau State Barr. Caleb Mutfwang who was represented by the Commissioner of Agriculture, Hon.
Ishaku Bugama lauded the project and said Plateau State is the food haven of Nigeria owing to its agricultural endowment that is capable of feeding the Nation and African sub-region.
He said with “The Time is Now” and “The Land is Green” mantra, the present government is set to deploy practical and workable interventions that would boost productivity and address food shortage being witnessed across Nigeria. He said siting the project in Plateau Sate is an indication that Dr. Godfrey Bawa believes in the Plateau dream. He assured the Company that the government will do all within its powers to ensure that the plant continue to serve farmers in the State and beyond.
Waziri Abba representative of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security expressed delight for the project which he said is aimed at producing quality fertilizer and has the propensity of addressing food deficiency.
Representative of the Gbong Gwom Jos and Gwom Rwey (District Head) of Heipang, His Royal Highness Da Paul Tadi Tok lauded the siting of the Plant in his domain and assured the Company of the People’s commitment to protecting the facility. He reminded citizens of the Community and others employed by the Company to work to enhance the growth of the Company. He urged the company not to relent in carrying out its Corporate Social Responsibility to better the community.
The Program Manager of Plateau Agricultural Development Programme, Mr. Ishaku Jilemsam disclosed that the Plant is a great achievement to food security in Plateau State and Nigeria at large. He said one of the biggest challenges of farmers which is fertilizer has is being addressed with the plant beginning operation. He stated that the quality of the Fertilizer has been tested and certified to be of good quality.
In their goodwill messages, Plateau State Commissioner of Commerce Hon. Musa Sule, former Minister of Women Affairs Hon. Dame Pauline Tallen and Amb. Yahaya Kwande applauded the idea of establishing the Plant and said it is capable of generating employment to the citizens thereby making them productive and taking many out of poverty.
Earlier, Bishop Tina Bawa wife of the Chairman/CEO described her husband as a Philanthropist and Entrepreneur who is impacting lives positively in diverse ways.
