Ogun State Government Refutes Claims on Magboro Rice Project
The Ogun State Government has dismissed allegations that the Magboro rice project, launched by Governor Dapo Abiodun, is a private initiative owned by Alhaji Bello Zabarmawa, a businessman from Kebbi State. In a statement, the government described the report as “biased, shrouded in half-truths, and mischievous.”
According to the government, the 200-hectare rice farm is a state government initiative, supported by the World Bank, under the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP). The project aims to stimulate economic growth and improve income for smallholder farmers in the state.
The government acknowledged private sector contributions to rice production but clarified that the state government contributed 65% of the cost of production, while the farmers contributed 35%. The government also provided training, discounted inputs, mechanization, and linkage to offtakers.
Governor Abiodun had flagged off the harvest of the 200-hectare rice farm, declaring that the project would be scaled up to 2,000 hectares. The government stated that the governor’s speech was misrepresented, and he never claimed ownership of the farm.
The government highlighted its commitment to enhancing food production and boosting economic growth through OGSTEP and other agencies, benefiting over 30,000 farmers.
The statement, signed by Hon. Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, urged PM News to desist from “jaundiced reports” and maintain its integrity.
