Ayodele Olalere
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.
Speaking after signing the MOU, the Special Adviser on Agriculture to the governor on the rice Initiative, Mr. Rotimi Fashola, said the need to produce quality and competitive prices for Lagosians necessitated the partnership.
READ ALSO: Imota Rice Mill to start production Q1 2022, says Sanwo-Olu
He said the governor is committed to the completion of the project in December, this year, adding 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.
The partnership will. last for nine months.
