BREAKING: Abia Govt, IRS Group Order N2.5B Rice Seedlings From Cross River

Gov. Ayade conducting former Governor Donald Duke round the rice seedlings factory

Cross River state government is reaping quantum financial benefits from its rice seeds and seedlings factory following the placing of orders by the Abia State Government and the IRS Group for N2 billion worth of rice seedlings.

The seedlings are for distribution to rice farmers in Abia and Kano as part of wet season Project.

The order was placed recently during a tour of the rice seeds and seedlings facility in Calabar by the Abia state governor, Dr.Okezie Ikpeazu and Chairman of the IRS Group, Rabiu Isiaku Rabiu.

Abia's and IRS Group's order come on the heels of purchase of the seedlings by the Central Bank of Nigeria through the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN) for South-South states and some corporate rice farmers from Kano recently.

The Cross River automated rice seeds and seedlings factory, the first of its kind in Africa, was established by Governor Ben Ayade and commissioned by President Muhammadu Buhari June last year.

Whilst announcing the order,  Dr. Ikpeazu said he was excited by what Ayade is doing in the area of agro-industrialization.

According to him, "Professor Ayade's efforts will help in shaping the state and Nigeria in agriculture value chain, especially in Rice Production. Whatever yield you get from your rice must originate from the quality of the seedlings.

“I reccommend this to other states in Nigeria, business men and the entire citizens. They must come here and see for themselves what is happening. There is no point going anywhere else in the world in search for quality seedlings, everything is in Cross River.”

On his part, the Chairman of the IRS Group, commended Professor Ayade's rice revolution, saying the governor has set a pace.

"This is a very good idea and I' m happy for the people of Cross River State. I will like to commend governor Ayade for his vision and leadership style.

“For establishing this rice seeds and seedlings factory, not only for Cross River but also for Nigeria, there is no doubt that it has created employment and prosperity for the people.

“I will like to make a commitmment and order seedlings worth of N500 million to enable me sell the high yeild seedling at a reduced  price to farmers in kano State", Rabiu said.

Reacting to the development, Governor Ayade thanked Dr Ikpeazu and Alhaji Rabiu, describing their orders as a great encouragement and pledged to personally take part in the planting of the seedlings in the two states.

"With the orders from Abia State and the IRS Group worth N2.5 billion , I will join the people of both Abia and Kano to plant the rice seedling in their farms.

“I am happy that Abia state has joined Cross River State Government to  make their people green Millionaires with multiple yield seedlings, creating wealth for the younger generation.”