By Agrobroadcast Team
The Kwara State Government has taken another step toward strengthening agro-processing in the state with the inauguration of the Kwara State Association of Nigerians in the United Kingdom (KWASANG) APEX CO-OP Cassava Value-Addition Factory located in Osin Pakate, Ilorin East Local Government Area.
The facility is designed to enhance cassava processing, reduce waste, and unlock greater economic value for farmers through organised cooperative participation.
At the inauguration, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Afees Abolore Alabi, described the factory as a farmer-driven initiative that aligns with the state’s broader agricultural development agenda. He said the project reflects how well-structured cooperatives, supported by enabling policies and partnerships, can stimulate sustainable growth within the agribusiness sector.
Alabi emphasised that value addition in cassava production is essential for cutting post-harvest losses, improving product standards, boosting farmers’ earnings, and creating jobs, particularly for young people and women. He added that investments such as the KWASANG factory also support food security, provide raw materials for industries, and promote economic activities in rural communities.
The Commissioner commended the leadership of KWASANG for partnering with diaspora investors, noting that their commitment demonstrates strong confidence in the opportunities available within Kwara State’s cassava production and processing space.
He reiterated that cooperative development remains central to the state government’s inclusive agricultural strategy, stressing that the government’s role is to create a conducive environment through supportive policies, infrastructure, capacity building, and collaboration with cooperatives and private investors.
According to Alabi, the steady progress being witnessed across the cassava value chain reflects the development vision of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, whose administration continues to prioritise agricultural transformation through strategic partnerships and investor-friendly initiatives.
The newly inaugurated factory is expected to process cassava into products including garri, high-quality cassava flour, starch, and other derivatives for both household consumption and industrial applications.
Quoting the Commissioner, Ashaolu Omotola, Press Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, noted that the initiative complements ongoing efforts by the state to strengthen the cassava value chain through improved access to inputs, extension services, and market linkages aimed at enhancing farmers’ productivity and profitability.
Earlier, the Chairman of KWASANG Farmers, Mustapha Tunde Salawu, expressed appreciation to the Kwara State Government for providing the enabling environment that made the project a reality. He urged Nigerians in the diaspora, especially indigenes of Kwara State, to invest back home as a means of supporting community development and economic growth.
Salawu highlighted the state’s vast arable land and its strategic position linking northern and southern Nigeria as key advantages that make Kwara an attractive destination for agricultural and agribusiness investments.
The KWASANG APEX CO-OP Cassava Value-Addition Factory is expected to significantly reduce post-harvest losses, improve market access for cassava farmers, and stimulate economic activities in Osin Pakate and surrounding communities.