IFO LG: CAF Appoints Hon. Idris Kusimo Grand Patron, Partners Soar Farms for Cassava Processing Plant

The Commodity Alliance Forum (CAF), an arm of FGN/OGSG/International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)/Value Chain Development Program (VCDP), Ifo Local Government, has appointed Hon. Idris Kusimo, the Executive Chairman of Ifo Local Government, as its Grand Patron. Also appointed is the Head of Local Government Administration, Mr. Fatai Ogundele as the group’s Patron. The appointment was made during a special meeting held at the Local Government Secretariat on Friday, 17th January 2025.

According to Alhaji Sokunbi, CAF is an association of farmers, traders, and other stakeholders in the agricultural sector to promote the development of the agricultural sector. As Grand Patron, Hon. Kusimo will provide guidance and support to the CAF in its efforts to improve agricultural productivity, enhance market access, and improve the livelihoods of farmers in the Local Government Area.

In his acceptance speech, Hon. Kusimo expressed his gratitude for the appointment and pledged his commitment to supporting the CAF in its endeavours. He emphasized the importance of the agricultural sector to the economic development of the Ifo Local Government and reiterated his administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for agricultural growth.

The appointment of Hon. Kusimo as the grand patron of the CAF is expected to further strengthen the partnership between the Council Area and the agricultural sector, leading to increased agricultural productivity and improved livelihoods for farmers in the Local Government Area.
In a related development, the Council Chairman has partnered with an investor, Soar Farms Ltd, to establish a Cassava Processing Plant capable of processing 100 tons of Cassava into various products. The proposed factory is to be sited within the Local Government Secretariat.

A representative of Soar Farms, Mr. Ibrahim Ogunbanwo said that the partnership will help in establishing a world-class Cassava processing factory. He also emphasised the company’s commitment to assist farmers in the Local Government Area to produce enhanced yields.
Meanwhile, Hon. Kusimo has introduced Bollar Glorious Ventures, an organic fertiliser distributor to the farmers to ensure that there is improvement in farm produce in the Council Area. Speaking at the event, Pastor Bola Oluwadamisi, the Company’s representative, said that the fertiliser is a unique product capable of increasing the farmers’ yields.

Highpoint of the event was the presentation of appointment letters and some agricultural products like Rice, Garri and Custard to the duo of the Council Chairman, Hon. Idris Kusimo and the Head of Local Government Administration, Mr. Fatai Ogundele.

Dignitaries at the event include the Head of Local Government Administration, Mr Fatai Ogundele; the Director of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mrs Kemi Akingbasote; her deputy, Mr Abiodun Awunu, as well as the Head of Information Department, Mr Dele Ogunyemi and other principal career officers of the Local Government. Other attendees include Alhaji Monsuru Ajayi, the Chairman of the Rice Producer’s Association of Nigeria, Ogun State chapter, CAF State and Local Government Excos, OGADEP representative and Mrs Olufunmilola Falade, amongst many others.

Dele Ogunyemi,
HOD, Information Department