Nasarawa State has long prided itself on being ‘The Home of Solid Minerals,’ boasting a rich agricultural diversity that forms the bedrock of Nigeria’s culinary landscape. From the cultivation of sesame seeds and soybeans to the iconic groundnuts of Kano and the staple crops of millet and maize, Nasarawa’s agricultural prowess is unrivaled. Among these, rice is Nigeria’s most consumed staple food, with a staggering 7 million metric tonnes devoured annually. Our journey to Nasarawa commenced at 8 am, traversing from Gwagwalada in Abuja through Kebbi, culminating in the vibrant city of Lafia, home to over 2.5 million people. En route, we marveled at the picturesque landscapes, observing the bustling activities of students, the majesty of towering mountains, and the expansiveness of flat plains. Despite encountering few farmers, the entrepreneurial spirit of small business owners permeated the atmosphere. I had the privilege of accepting an invitation from the esteemed executive technocrat governor, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, whose dedication to service and proactive leadership have set the stage for transformative ventures in Nasarawa. As someone who has long admired the state’s rich culture and communal well-being, I commend Governor Sule for his unwavering commitment to the people.
In the presence of visionary leaders such as Ibrahim Adamu Abdullahi, Secretary of the Nasarawa Investment & Economic Advisory Council, and Stella Ajige, VP of Investment Promotion and Facilitation, our purposeful meeting convened to unveil the ‘Sujimoto Farm Estate.’ This ground-breaking project aims to establish the Sujimoto Rice Farm, which spans over 30,000 hectares and can produce over 700,000 metric tons of paddy rice annually. The venture also includes plans for a fully automated farm mill dedicated to crafting premium quality 100% basmati rice and parboiled rice in Nasarawa State. Nasarawa State, situated in the north-central region of Nigeria, is renowned for its diverse culinary heritage, including delicacies like Tuwo Shinkafa and Miyan Kuka. Through our partnership with the Sujimoto Group, Nasarawa aims to elevate its agricultural enterprise to unprecedented heights, positioning itself as a beacon of sustainable agriculture in Africa.
With a farm capacity of 30,000 hectares and ambitious plans to scale up to 1 million hectares by 2030, our state-of-the-art facility leverages advanced technology to optimize the rice farming process, ensuring consistently superior produce. Prioritizing sustainability, we aim to minimize waste and maximize yields, aligning with Nasarawa State’s commitment to fostering agricultural growth and efficiency. Governor Abdullahi A. Sule’s transformative leadership has propelled Nasarawa towards progress and prosperity. His administration’s focus on infrastructure development, healthcare, and education, coupled with initiatives to empower youth and women, exemplifies a commitment to inclusive governance.
Our partnership with Nasarawa State is dedicated to reforming Nigeria’s agricultural landscape; rooted in the region’s rich heritage and propelled by forward-thinking leadership. Together, we aim to address the national rice deficit and create employment opportunities for over 2000 individuals, contributing to the socioeconomic development of the state and the nation at large. Through synergistic efforts and the support of the state government, we are poised to address the national rice deficit head-on. With Governor Sule’s steadfast facilitation, the Sujimoto Farm project aims to become the largest rice farm in the nation, heralding a new era of abundance of this essential staple for all Nigerians. Under the visionary leadership of His Excellency Governor Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, Nasarawa State has embarked on a transformative journey to unlock its full economic potential and elevate Nigeria’s rice production. Leveraging its diverse agro-ecological zones, the state is forging innovative partnerships to foster sustainable growth and efficiency in agricultural output.
In Nasarawa, the passage of time is marked by the rhythm of ancient drums, echoing tales of valiant warriors and wise elders. The air is redolent with the aroma of spicy delicacies, meticulously crafted and generously shared. Every corner of Nasarawa resonates with the melody of community spirit, from bustling markets to serene villages. Thus, we find it imperative to align with the vanguard of soil fertility to propel the state’s agricultural enterprise to unprecedented heights. Since assuming office as Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Audu Sule has embarked on a transformative journey, steering the state towards progress and prosperity. His administration has prioritized infrastructure development, significantly investing in road construction, healthcare, and education. The Governor has also championed initiatives to boost agriculture and empower youth and women through skill-acquisition programs and entrepreneurship opportunities. His leadership is characterized by a commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance, ensuring that the dividends of democracy reach every corner of Nasarawa State.
This audacious venture aligns with the vision of the renowned economic luminary and former Acting General Managing Director of Dangote Sugar Refinery, emphasizing the crucial link between infrastructure development and agricultural success. We also commend the Governor, who has built over 1,000 kilometers of roads over the past five years.
‘We rice by lifting the nation.’
Dr. Sijibomi Ogundele is the Group Managing Director of Sujimoto Group, the Czar of Luxury Real Estate Development, and the mastermind developer behind the renowned Giuliano. Our other audacious projects, such as the most sophisticated building in Banana Island, LucreziaBySujimoto, the grandiose Sujimoto Twin Tower, the tallest twin towers in Africa; the regal Queen Amina by Sujimoto, a monument to royal affluence; the magnificent high-rise LeonardoBySujimoto; and the Sujimoto Farm, an advanced farm estate system that incorporates housing, farm hospitals, hotels, and markets within an ecosystem, creating opportunities for agro-tourism and affordable housing., among other projects that have etched an indelible imprint on Nigeria’s skylines, a testament to Sujimoto’s unrivaled mastery of modern-day engineering.