Kebbi Flour Mill commences operation 

By Taofeek Lawal

The pioneer Flour Mill in the Northwestern states of Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara, has commenced operation in Birnin Kebbi, the Kebbi State Capital.

The firm was established by the Kebbi State Government under the leadership of Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu.

The progress of work on the project was disclosed on Thursday when Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu visited the company at Bulasa industrial zone in Birnin Kebbi to assess its operations.

The Governor was taken round various sections of the factory by former Commissioner of Agriculture, Barrister Attahiru Maccido, accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Joel Aiki and the Chief Engineer of the mill, Engr Musa Kudu from Nasarawa State.

Bagudu said that his administration initiated the project to transform the industrial ecosystem in the state and the country in general.

Bagudu, who is also the Vice Chairman of the National Food Security Council, said that the firm was made real by the laudable commendable efforts of the State Ministry of Agriculture and the Wheat Farmers Association.

The Governor, who is also the Chairman of the Presidential Taskforce on Wheat and Rice Production, noted that Kebbi State and Nigeria were increasingly becoming important players in wheat production.

According to Bagudu, the firm would add value to the economy of the state and that of the country.

He also expressed delight that it was commencing operations with just about two weeks to the beginning of the Ramadan fast.

He extolled President Muhammadu Buhari for raising the consciousness of Nigerians on producing what they eat.

He also expressed optimism that the duo of President-elect, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senator Kashim Shetima would sustain the feat.

The Plant Engineer, Ayuba Musa Kudu had earlier told the Governor that the initial installed capacity of the Compact Milling System is 1,800 kg or 18 tonnes per hour.

He said that it can produce semolina, "burabusco" and wheat brand that is used as animal  feeds.

The former Commissioner of Agriculture, Barrister Attahiru Maccido assured that the Wheat produced by farmers would be purchased as raw materials by the company which would increase their profit margin.

He emphasized that the quality of the various flour  produced  by the mill was of high quality, competitive on the international market, saying that the company also has an objective to export its products to other African countries.

The permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Mr.Joel Aiki expressed immense happiness over the development.

He commended Governor Bagudu for his robust effort and zeal to industrialize the State particularly with the installation of the State-of-art machines in the factory.