By Blessing Otobong-gabriel
FCT Mandate Secretary, Comrade Abdullahi Ango, has announced that the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone, SAPZ, project will create jobs and stimulate economic growth in FCT communities.
Ango made this disclosure during a familiarisation tour of the project sites on Friday.
He also met with opinion leaders in Paikon-Kore Community, highlighting the project’s potential benefits, including job creation, business opportunities and economic growth.
The mandate secretary emphasised the importance of community support and ownership for the project’s success. By working together with community leaders and members, the FCTA aims to ensure the project’s effective implementation and maximise its benefits for the local population.
The FCT-SAPZ Project Coordinator, Dr Omola Olateju, said the project seeks to industrialise agriculture and add value to agricultural products, focusing on dairy and beef value chains.
The project will integrate farmers and pastoralists, promoting collaboration and reducing conflicts.
According to him, it is expected to benefit the host communities, provide them with economic opportunities and integrate them into the investment windows provided by the project.
The Gender and Social Safeguard Officer of the Project, Dr Asmau Adamu, also highlighted the importance of gender balance in the FCT Special Agro-Processing Zone project.
She emphasised that women’s involvement is crucial for development and progress. The project aims to ensure equal participation of women, with a target of 50-50 gender representation.
She also hinted that the project, which is co-funded by the Islamic Development Bank and the Federal Capital Territory Administration, placed emphasis on inclusive and women’s participation.
“The project will boost productivity, create jobs and provide market access, financial access and livelihood opportunities. She said women will be sensitised to participate in the project and contribute to the development of the FCT. The project’s impact will extend beyond the FCT, benefiting the entire country.
“The project aims to unlock the agricultural potentials of the region and provide opportunities for rural women and youths.”
Dr Adamu urged women to come forward and participate in the project, emphasising that their involvement is essential for its success.
Responding, the District Head of Paikon Kore, Ahmed Shagalo expressed gratitude to the mandate secretary and coordinator of SAPZ project for their familiarisation visit.
He appreciated the effort to engage the community and ensure that project implementation is inclusive and well-executed, pledging their commitment to work with the project team to ensure a successful implementation.
He urged the mandate secretary and new coordinator to continue their good work,.
“The community is looking forward to benefiting from the project, which aims to promote agricultural development and industrialisation in the area.”
