By; FUNMI ADERINTO, Kaduna
Governor Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai of Kaduna State on Friday, commissioned the Tomato Jos Paste Factory at Kangimi, in Igabi Local Government Area of the state.
While Commissioning the project, the Governor said the processing plant of Tomato Jos is a fitting conclusion to KADInvest 2.0.
“It is a clear testimony of the steady progression of the investors that have responded to our consistent pitch about the economic potentials that abound in our land and our people,” he said.
According to him, “When we performed the groundbreaking for this project on 27 January 2020, we welcomed it as a vital investment in the agricultural potentials of Kaduna State.”
The third largest tomato Factory in Nigeria which was unveiled last year by the Governor, has full capacity to cultivate and process tomato.
Launching the factory, Governor Nasir el-Rufai appreciated the courage of the Managing Director of the company for the establishment of the company in the state despite the security challenges in the state and the country in general.
He also expressed gratitude that within a year, the factory has transformed the lives of the neighbouring communities and hoped it will extend to the entire state and the country at large.
While appealing to the communities to cooperate with the company, the Governor pledged to continue to render support to achieve the set objectives.
Governor el-Rufai also wished Tomato Jos every success in this transition from growing tomatoes to also processing it.
In a remark the CBN Governor, represented by a director in the bank, Mr Nwaja Chika said the Federal Government has introduced a number of intervention programmes to support tomato farming.
He said the sector is employment elastic and can translate into better income for the farming population and improve standard of living while reducing insecurity.
The Managing Director of the Tomato Jos, Ms Mira Mehta said the essence of establishing the company is to create a middle class in rural areas by harnessing the power of local production for local consumption.
She appreciated the Kaduna State Government for the support and the success of the project.
