Modupe Gbadeyanka
**Increases Weekly Birds Production by 67%
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The weekly production of birds at the Shonga Farms in Kwara State has recorded a significant increase since its inception, Business Post has learnt.
The project was started by the Senate President, Mr Bukola Saraki, when he was Government of the state.
At inception, the Shonga Farms was producing about 12,000 birds weekly, but at the moment, the production has risen to 20,000 per week, showing an improvement by 67 percent.
The Senate President, who visited the facility last week, could not hide his excitement over this. He described the Shonga Farms as a “priced jewel in Africa.”
According to him, “When it started, Shonga Farms was producing only 12,000 birds a week. Now, they are producing 20,000 birds a day.
“Back then, it only employed a handful of people, now, it employs over a thousand people.
“From being a small farm in Kwara, now, Shonga, is a priced jewel in Africa. The decision by Country Bird Holdings (CBH), one of the largest poultry companies in Sub-Saharan Africa to acquire a majority stake in Valentine Farms Ltd., Shonga is a testament to the success of the farm.
“Posterity will always be the greatest judge.”
Mr Saraki noted that, “When we first started the project when I was the Governor of Kwara State, people were attacking the idea saying that it could not be done.
“Many said that it was not sustainable. Many others said that the farm belonged to me. Still, others said that it would not benefit the state and invariably, the country.
“Years later, the facts are speaking for themselves.”
The Senate President stressed that, “The truth is, when you are in a position of leadership, don’t listen to the naysayers. Yes, take in all the positive criticism. But always stay focused. It’s only then that you can achieve your vision for the people.”
