The Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde has on Thursday commissioned the first cassava-based Sorbitol Factory in Nigeria and in Africa, and second in the world at Alayide Village, off Ado Awaye, Iseyin Local Government, Oke-Ogun area of the state.
He attributed the development to fulfilling some of his electoral campaign promises to the good people of Oyo State.
Makinde stated that Psaltry International owned by Oluyemisi Iranloye, is making history as Oyo State commissioned it, its first cassava-based factory.
He maintained that Oyo government took the decision to be deliberate by constructing the Iseyin road which is providing job opportunities to about 50 communities in Iseyin.
He said the road has not only eased the movement of people but also has also reduced travelling time of people and connecting to other major roads for agricultural purposes.
Similarly, the governor disclosed that Oyo State will also train more than 10,000 youth on agricultural business, noting that the government had so far trained some youth on Agricultural Tech. in Nassarawa.
Makinde therefore commended the Psaltry International for the great initiative, saying the project will boost the economy of the state.
He also promised to look into the construction of the Eruwa Dam to boost economy, having certified with reasons to get it done for economic benefit.
While speaking, the Chairman Board of Directors, Psaltry International, Mrs Folusho Olaniyan OON, disclosed that Nigeria is among the largest importer of sorbitol in the word.
“We import majorly from India and Indonesia, which is difficult to admit, but it is true. With that data, we are building other countries economy, while ours is dying”, she stated.
She said that Psaltry International is changing that narrative today with the commissioning of the first cassava based-sorbitol in Africa, adding that it’s the second cassava-based sorbitol factory in the world after Indonesia.
Olaniyan also said that the factory will provide employment for 10,000 youth and farmers in Iseyin community. It is projected to impact directly and Indirectly, above 100,000 people within 200km radius to the factory, covering more than 50 hosts communities.
Earlier in her submission, the Founder/CEO of Psaltry International Company Limited, Oluyemisi Iranloye, disclosed that the factory has the capacity to produce 25 tons of sorbitol per day.
According to her, sorbitol is a naturally occurring sweetener, which is synthetically extracted from glucose.
“Due to its calories ratio, it is used in sugar-free foods, pharmaceutical products, oral care products including mouth fresheners and toothpastes”, she stated.
Iranloye who revealed some of the challenges encountered while building the project hinted that the magic of her success was due to the wonderful and hardworking team of young guys she assembled to come up with the design.
In her words: “I never knew a cassava-based sorbitol factory existed anywhere. It was after we finalised the design that we knew a cassava-based factory existed in Indonesia. So, I am proud to tell you that this factory we are commissioning today is 100% Psaltry and Nigeria inspired cassava-based sorbitol plant. This is our intellectual property.”
She added by craving the indulgence of His Excellency, Governor ‘Seyi Makinde, for the construction of the road that links the main road to Alayide village.
“The road will service about 20 villages adjoining the factory. It will also have a multiplier effect on the economy of this area”, she concluded.
In the meantime, other dignitaries who attended the event with Governor Makinde include: the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Lawal, Oyo House of Assembly Speaker, Debo Ogundoyin; PDP National Vice Chairman, Ambassador Taofeeq Arapaja; Head of Service, Alhaja Agboola; Oyo Head of Due Process; Oyo Deputy Chief of Staff, Ijaya, Former PDP Chairman, Omokunmi Mustapha, among others.
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