Lagos govt, WACOT sign MOU on production of rice

IBRAHIM QUADRI

Lagos State Government on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with WACOT, a rice producing company to provide technical support and training for the State on the production of rice at the Imota Rice Mill, Lagos.

The signing ceremony took place at the Lagos House, Ikeja, and was signed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

The partnership which is expected to last for nine months will serve as buffer for the upcoming Imota Rice Mill scheduled to be inaugurated before the end of the year.

Speaking after signing of the MOU , the  Special Adviser on Agriculture to the Governor on  rice Initiative, Mr. Rotimi Fashola, said the need to produce quality and competitive rice for Lagosians necessitated the partnership.

He said the Governor is committed to the completion of the project in December, this year , adding  that the partnership would lead to job creation, provide quality rice, and a price mechanism among others.

He further said the administration is  looking at the sustainability and availability of the rice  to the public when the  mill is completed and expressed confidence the  partnership with  WACOT would help the State achieve its purpose.

Fashola further said the company will be the face of the government at the Mill as  it will give  technical support that will ensure the rice comes out top notchy while staff will be brought in that will undergo  quality training.

The Head, Corporate Communication, WACOT,  Rafiat Gawat said though the company is based in Kebbi State, the partnership with Lagos State was a testament to the technical ability the company is known for in the last five years.

She expressed happiness at the partnership, adding that the company will oversee, manage and also create technical assistance.

“For us, it is validation that our work is not going unnoticed with what we are doing in Kebbi State,” she said.