(Sundiata Post) — The Katsina State government has signed an agreement leasing out its Shonghai farm project to Dangote Group for a period of 10 years at the cost of N500 million.
The lease agreement was formally signed by Governor Aminu Bello Masari and the President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote.
While signing the agreement at the Government House in Katsina, Governor Aminu Bello Masari explained that the agreement also covers 10,000 hectares of farmland around Zobe dam in Dutsinma Local Government Area of the state.
He noted that the move was aimed at reviving the company to make it an employer of labour in the state.
Meanwhile, the Special Adviser to Governor Aminu Bello Masari on investment, Alhaji Ibrahim Tukur Jikamshi said Dangote group will also use Shoghai farm as a research institute that will provide extension services to farmers as well as facilitate the provision of research activities
President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote in his remarks said the Shonghai project will be utilised for job creation for farmers and other entrepreneurs that feed on the value chain of tomato and other farm produce, according to Katsina Media & Publicity reports.
The Shonghai farm project was conceptualized by Katsina State government in 2013 and the project was abandoned but later resuscitated.