The Kwara State Government on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, handed over industrial cassava flour (garri) processing machines to residents of Owode Oja in Asa Local Government Area to boost production, create jobs, and improve livelihoods.
Truth Live News gathered that the intervention is part of the state government’s effort to support rural communities and promote sustainable economic development through agro-processing.
The initiative followed a visit by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to the community on August 5, 2025, when he inspected road projects in the area and engaged residents, particularly local women, about their needs beyond earlier government interventions.
The machines delivered to the community include a dewatered cassava mash fryer, a cassava mash sifter, and a cassava grater with a daily processing capacity of about 1.5 tonnes.
In a statement issued by the Deputy Chief Press Secretary at Government House, Ilorin, Mashood Agboola, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, presented the machines on behalf of the governor and described AbdulRazaq as a leader committed to fulfilling his promises.
“We are here to fulfil a promise made by His Excellency. On August 5 last year, the governor visited this community to inspect several road projects.
“When he came, he asked about other needs, and today, without prior notice, His Excellency directed us to deliver four industrial machines purchased from NCAM,” Ajakaye told reporters.
Ajakaye added that experts would train community members on how to operate and maintain the machines to ensure optimal productivity.
He also highlighted the 23-kilometre road constructed under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project, noting that the infrastructure would make it easier for farmers to transport produce to markets.
“The governor is not only empowering the residents with equipment but has also constructed key roads in the area.
“The road leading to this community spans about 23 kilometres under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project, demonstrating the government’s commitment to ensuring farm produce can easily reach the market,” he said.
Community leaders, including the Baale of Owode Oja, Mallam Kuranga Yakub; Secretary of the Youth Wing, Mustapha Kadir Olaitan; and Fauzat Abdulganiy, commended the governor for the intervention.
Yakub said the initiative would significantly improve the economic prospects of residents, especially women in the community.
“Our people, particularly women, used to travel to Lagos to work, but with this processing facility, they can remain at home and earn a living through garri production. We are very grateful. May God bless the governor,” he said.
