Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has commissioned the first ultra-modern seed processing plant, established by Premier Seed Nigeria Limited in collaboration with Propcom+, a UK-funded program supporting climate-smart agriculture in Gombe state.
Located in the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park in Dadinkowa, the state-of-the-art facility is equipped with cutting-edge technology for cleaning, grading, treating, and packaging of certified, high-quality, and climate-resilient seed varieties for farmers.
The plant is poised to significantly boost agricultural productivity by ensuring farmers across the Northeast and Nigeria access improved seedlings for higher yields and resilience to climate change.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Chief Obasanjo who also is founder of Premier Seed Nigeria Limited, emphasized the pivotal role of quality seed in the agricultural value chain.
He said, “Seed is the most indispensable input in agriculture. If you don’t get the seed component right, the entire value chain becomes shaky”.
The former president lauded Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for his foresight in establishing the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park, describing it as “a noble initiative and a catalyst for sustainable economic development”. He further noted that the proximity of the park to the 40MW Dadinkowa Hydropower Plant strategically positions Gombe for rapid industrialization.
In his address, Governor Inuwa Yahaya described the commissioning as a landmark achievement in his administration’s drive for agricultural transformation and industrial growth in Gombe.
He said, “This event marks a significant milestone in our efforts to position Gombe as a leading agro-industrial hub in Nigeria. Premier Seed Nigeria Limited, as the pioneer investor in this Industrial Park, is helping us translate our vision into reality”.
He appreciation to Chief Obasanjo for his enduring contributions to agricultural development and underscored the importance of the Dadinkowa Dam and Hydropower facilities in driving the state’s economic ambitions.
Also speaking, Dr Adiya Ode, Country Director of Propcom+, affirmed the project’s alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s 12-point agenda on food security and applauded the collaboration between public and private actors in delivering tangible agricultural impact.
Meanwhile, the Director-General of the National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC), Futuhu Mohammed, praised the initiative, reaffirming the council’s commitment to maintaining quality assurance in seed production nationwide.
“This facility supports the Federal Government’s agenda to reposition agriculture as a core driver of employment and economic development,” he noted.
While appreciating the former President and the Gombe state governor as well as other guests for attending the commissioning ceremony, the Managing Director of Premier Seed Nigeria Limited, Mr. Ibitoye Oyewale, stated that the factory is the result of a collaborative effort between his company and Propcom+.
He equally appreciates the UK-funded Propcom+ program for supporting the establishment of factory to provide farmers in Gombe and other Northeast states with the much needed improves seeds and seedlings for climate-smart agriculture.
