As part of efforts to boost internally generated funds and improve the lives of its farmers, the Kebbi State Government has sought the assistance of dairy giant FrieslandCampina WAMCO, makers of Peak and Three Crowns milk, to explore the potential for livestock breeding, local sourcing, and development in the state.
The Governor of Kebbi State, His Excellency Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu paid a courtesy visit to the dairy maker on Thursday, 9th November 2017.
During the visit, Governor Bagudu received insight into the company’s operations through a tour of factory facilities and dairy development sites in Oyo state. He was also briefed on the company’s key dairy development activities including artificial insemination, cattle feeding and breeding for high yield milk quantities.
In a media statement issued by the company, the Managing Director, Ben Langat, who welcomed the governor, explained: “The Governor’s visit underscores our objective of ensuring best dairy farming practices that guarantee the flow of good quality milk from grass to glass”.
“FrieslandCampina WAMCO is honored to share and support Kebbi State to replicate our tried and tested DDP model that enables small-scale dairy farmers to improve the quality and yield of their milk production and earn a reasonable income.
“Partnerships such as this with Kebbi State will go a long way to strengthen dairy development in Nigeria,” Langat said.
Responding, Governor Bagudu commended FrieslandCampina WAMCO for her commitment to leading Dairy Development in Nigeria. He said “We are seeking to modernize the agricultural sector as this will help to solve many national issues. We need WAMCO’s intervention to demonstrate what can work for our farmers in Kebbi. That is why we are here. The federal government has actually spearheaded a number of programmes in the country to boost agriculture so that as a nation, we produce what we eat and eat what we produce.”
Preparatory to such strategic partnerships with states, FrieslandCampina’s Global CEO, Roelof Joosten, had paid a courtesy visit to President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa in Abuja last year to discuss FrieslandCampina WAMCO’s commitment to improving Nigeria’s dairy sector through its unique sustainable Dairy Development Programme (DDP) backed by technical expertise from The Netherlands.
In concurrence, Chief Audu Ogbeh OFR, Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, during a recent inspection of FrieslandCampina WAMCO’s milk collection facilities in Fashola and Iseyin town, Oyo State, commended the company for pioneering milk sourcing and local development in Nigeria, and he presented the company with a portable motorised milking machine in recognition of her efforts as the biggest investor in local milk production in Nigeria.
According to Ore Famurewa, Corporate Affairs Director, “FrieslandCampina WAMCO commenced our Dairy Development Programme in August 2010 and signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in April 2011 which was renewed in June 2016. We are unwavering and remain committed to supporting local farmers and leading dairy development in Nigeria.”
The visiting team from Kebbi State included Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; the Permanent Secretary, Animal Health, Dr. Usman Shehu Umar; Mallam Bello Ahmed Jega, the Director, Livestock Services, Ministry of Animal Health, Mallam Bello Ahmed Jega; and Special Adviser to His Excellency on Agricultural Activity, Hon. Usman Balkore.
The Managing Director, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria, Mr. Ben Langat, received the Kebbi State delegation in the company of the Corporate Affairs Director, Mrs. Ore Famurewa; Operations Director, Mr. Doyin Ashiru; and Dairy Development Manager, Mr. Adekunle Olayiwola John.
