The Ondo State Government says plans are underway for the completion of the N4.2 billion egg powder factory at Emure-Ile in Owo Local Government area of the state.
The state government has 55 percent stake in the factory operated under the Sunshine Food Processing Concept Limited for the production of powderised eggs, while its partners, the Imperial Capital, has 45 percent stake.
The Acting Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, stated this during a courtesy visit by the Chairman of Sunshine Food Processing Company limited, Engr. Ife Oyedele, in his office on Wednesday.
Mr Aiyedatiwa, who said the completion of the project was of importance to the state government, said a lot of variables had affected the timely completion of the project.
He noted that the state government was committed as a partner to the project and would continue to create enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
The acting governor noted that the completion of the egg processing factory would create employment, reduce importation of powdered eggs and exportation of the product.
“The aspect I want to really talk about is completion of this protect, there are lot of variables that have delayed the completion, but we are looking at that and on our part as a government, we are committed to the completion.
“The conception at the beginning under the leadership of our government, under the leadership of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu is a great one and you know when a woman conceives, she want to give birth after nine months.
“But we are having this delay in terms of finance and other variables and thank God we are having our 2024 budget and we are finishing it today.
“I know it’s going to be funded by partners, we are committed as a partner on this project, providing enabling environment and any other things needed for the completion of the project,” he said.
Earlier, the Chairman of Sunshine Food Processing Company limited, Engr Ife Oyedele, said when completed, no fewer than 500,000 eggs will be needed per day for the operation of the factory.
Mr Oyedele noted that powdered egg was part of recommendations of United Nation’s Children Fund (UNICEF) for malnourished children.
He stated that farmers would benefit more from the project, noting that it would boost their earnings and encourage more production.
The factory was inaugurated on Sept. 28, 2020 by Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.
NAN