Dipo Olowookere
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Following reports that Dangote Group was partnering with the Federal Government to bring poisonous Genetic Modified Organisms (GMOs) rice into the country, the company has vehemently denied such claims, describing the reports as absolutely false.
In a statement signed on Tuesday by its Social Media Manager, Mr Adedamola Adeniyi, Dangote Group said it was not “involved in the production or sales of GMOs and its research in Nigeria or anywhere.”
He explained that, ”What people should know, however, is the ground breaking progress Dangote Rice has made since 2014 when it stopped importation of rice and began local cultivation.”
Mr Adeniyi was reacting to a widely circulated broadcast on social media that the company was partnering with the government to import and flood the nation’s market with the alleged poisonous rice.
The company pointed out that, “In 2014, Dangote signed $1billion agreement with FG or integrated rice production in Kebbi, Niger, Jigawa and Kwara.
”2016, it started a multi-billion naira Rice Outgrower Scheme over 8,000 hectares in Hadejia, Jigawa State.”
Mr Adeniyi also said, “In 2016, it created over 10,000 jobs (Direct and indirect) to farmers who are an integral part of the Rice Outgrower Scheme.
“FARO 44 rice seeds distributed to farmers during the Outgrower Scheme was sourced from Africa Rice and certified by the National Agricultural Seeds Council.”
According to Mr Adeniyi, “The intent of this broadcast is to bring into disrepute the hard earned reputation of Dangote and actualization of its vision of making Nigeria self-sufficient in rice production.
“Moreover, with the ever watchful eagle eyes of organizations such as NAFDAC, SON, CPC with mandate to ensure food safety, how can a big organisation like Dangote import and flood the market with poisonous rice?”
