Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, has said partnership on mass production of tomato paste will greatly reduce youth unemployment in Oyo State.
He said this in view of a partnership initiative between the state government and a private company, New Age Tomatoes and Food Processing Company Nigeria Ltd, on mass production of tomato paste.
The traditional ruler commended the proposal and described it as a very good step towards decreasing the population of unemployed youths in the state.
Oba Balogun said while playing host to the management team of the company, led by Mr. Adekunle Aliu, at his Alarere residence to intimate him of tomato paste production in the state.
The Olubadan, in a press statement by his Personal Assistant (Media), Oladele Ogunsola, saluted the company’s boss for the choice of Oyo State for the project.
He ruler noted that such project would boost the revenue of the state government, in addition to the provision of employment opportunities for quite a large number of people.
“This is a big plus for the administration of Engr. ‘Seyi Makinde and a very good point to kick off his second term in office.
“It is a very good development for our darling state which requires the support of all and sundry.
“Whatever requires of our inputs as the traditional arm of the system, I want to assure you of our maximum support and cooperation on behalf of my colleagues in the system.
“Everybody is concerned about the well-being of our youths and this is one of the ways to address that. I pray for your success,” the Olubadan stated.
Earlier in his presentation, Mr. Aliu told the traditional ruler that the Oyo State government had laid a solid foundation for what his company intends to do.
He recalled that the required staff had been sent on training on tomato production project in Nasarawa State by the government.
Aliu further disclosed that his company would only just be tapping into what the government had done already.
He told the monarch that the purpose of the visit was to brief him of his rapport with its sister-company in Italy from where he had just returned on tomato paste production.
He stressed that all the necessary production equipments were ready and his partners well prepared to come down as soon as all the necessary plans at home were put in place.
Aliu acknowledged the efforts of the state government so far, requesting the fast-tracking of the process, especially as it relates to the necessary land required for the project.
“The land requirement is the pivot and pillar upon which the project rests and without it, the idea would remain and rust away in the world of imagination.
“The expected required land is not what an individual or a community can provide. Only the government has such capacity.
“The advantages to the state are immeasurable when one looks at the employment to be generated and the attendant value chains.
“Your Majesty, this is our story and we covet your blessings and support in any area. Our success in this venture will be a glory to the state,” Aliu further stated.
