FG begins N10 billion egg production scheme in Ondo 

Akeredolu to launch N42b powdery factory
The Federal Government has launched the National Egg Production Scheme (NEGPRO) in Ondo State.

The scheme is aimed at achieving a daily production of 50 million eggs in the next five years.

It is a Public Private Partnership (PPP), which is estimated to cost about N10 billion.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Audu Ogbeh, launched the scheme at the weekend in Akure, the state capital.

Ogbeh explained that it would cater for local consumption, exporting and processing into egg powder for use in confectioneries and pharmaceuticals.

He promised that NEGPRO would provide one million jobs nationwide, adding that the CBN would provide the loans, which the Bank of Agriculture (BoA) would disburse at a nine per cent single digit interest rate.

The minister pledged the Federal Government’s commitment to ending hunger and unemployment through agriculture and the diversification of the country’s economy.

While presenting a cheque of N564 million to 135 beneficiaries of the scheme, he blamed youth unemployment, illegal immigration and restlessness on the long neglect of agriculture.

He said: “We have neglected agriculture for too long because of oil and gas. Now, our youths are jobless due to the imbibed culture of doing nothing.

“Our youths walk into voluntary slavery in Libya, South Africa and other countries in the world, because there is no other sector outside agriculture that could provide them jobs.

According to him, the scheme would be piloted in six states, which include Abia, Cross River, Kebbi and Kogi states.

Ogbeh disclosed that each farmer would receive N4.2million with a repayment period spread over 30 months.

He said the scheme’s physical assets are worth over N2.8m and cash assets of N1.68m each.

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu lauded the efforts and pledged his readiness to supporting its implementation.

He informed the minister about his agro-based projects across the state, announcing that the proposed N42 billion Egg Powder Factory in Emure, in Owo Local Council Area would be launched on February 22, 2018.

He also revealed that the Federal College of Agriculture, Akure has been engaged to train 18, 000 youths on egg production and value chain opportunities.

Akeredolu charged the people to maximally utilise the opportunities, as only agriculture could replace the massive job losses caused by a decline in global oil price.