Ogun to Benefit as World’s largest Protein Producer Invests $2.5bn in Nigeria

Ogun, Nigeria’s top investment destination, is set to reap huge benefits as the largest protein producer in the world, JBS of Brazil, has indicated interest in investing $2.5bn in the livestock subsector of Nigeria’s economy.

The Controlling Shareholder of the company, Mr. Wesley Batista, gave this indication when officials of his firm, led by the Controlling Shareholder of EMN, Mr. John Coumantaros, visited the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta on Sunday.

Mr. Batista, who described Nigeria as the hub of Africa with the largest population, noted the enormous potentials that exist in the country in terms of human and natural resources, and said they were ready to bring their knowledge and expertise in the area of livestock to bear in the nation’s economy.

He said: “We have been talking and learning about Nigeria. We had the privilege to meet the Nigerian delegation in Brazil when President Bola Tinubu visited our country. We see Nigeria as the hub of Africa with a very large population.

“Though it is our first time in Nigeria, we feel that we have a lot of similarities between Brazil and Nigeria. We have a very good impression so far about Nigeria and Nigerians.

“We are serious about coming to Nigeria to invest in beef, pork, chicken, among others. We see growth prospects in Nigeria and what Nigerian leaders are doing in encouraging investors to come and make significant investments here. We can bring our knowledge and expertise to bear in Nigeria’s economy.”

Giving a brief background of the company, Mr. Wesley Batista disclosed that it started in 1953 with slaughtering one cow per day and grew to 600 heads of cattle in one beef plant per day in 1957, becoming the largest beef player in Brazil in the 1990s.

“In the beginning of 2000, we started looking for opportunities to go beyond Brazil, and in 2005, we started in Argentina, and in 2007, we went to the United States and Australia. JBS is our biggest business under our holding company,” he added.

Batista said the organization currently has a revenue of about $75bn and 280,000 direct members who operate hundreds of facilities across Brazil, the USA, Mexico, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Italy, and France, among others.

According to the Controlling Shareholder, the company processes 80,000 heads of cattle, 15 million chickens, about 25,000 heads of lamb per day, and also produces packaged products like sausages and bacon, while they also hold interests in other sectors like energy, the paper-producing industry, banking and finance, as well as soap and toiletries.

Giving a brief about the State titled “Unlocking the Future of Livestock Processing and Other Opportunities,” Governor Abiodun said the state, with more than 16,000 square kilometers, offers an ideal location for investments as it provides unique connections to the 17 southern states as well as the northern parts of the country.

“We have provided, in terms of infrastructure, 1,000 kilometers of highways and the best-constructed airport in Nigeria, specially dedicated to agro imports and exports.

“We are number one in non-oil, as two-thirds of the state sits on limestone. Our state is the third-largest producer of cement in Africa, trailing behind Morocco, which is second, and Egypt, which is first.

“The State also has gold, silica, bitumen, and others which are too numerous to mention. We have gas reticulation more than any other state. There are two major gas pipelines that crisscross our state,” he stated.

Governor Abiodun noted that Ogun is going into power generation and distribution, assuring that industries and companies that operate in the State would have access to the…
[19:13, 23/02/2025] Rockcity 101.9 FM 9 FM: NGO LIFTS JOURNALISTS’ FAMILIES

A non-governmental organisation, Oniroyin Support Initiative (OSI), is set to launch an empowerment programme in support of the families of deceased journalists in Ogun State.

A statement issued by the Secretary of the Board of Trustees of OSI, Mr. Adekunle Olayeni, quoted the Chairman, Board of Trustees, Mrs Funke Fadugba, as saying that: “We are proud to launch this programme, which demonstrates our commitment to supporting the families of journalists who made profound impact in the society but sadly passed away when their services were mostly needed.

“We believe that their families deserve our support and care, and we are committed to making a positive impact in their lives.”

The programme will be launched on Thursday, 27th February, 2025 at the Basic Trust International, beside ProvidusBank, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta by 12 noon.

The event, which will be chaired by renowned journalist, Mr. Richard Akinnola, will witness the public presentation of cheques and grants to select beneficiary families of deceased journalists towards ensuring their continued well-being.

“The programme is designed to empower families who have lost their loved ones – specifically journalists – in the line of duty. Together, we can make a difference in their lives and promote a culture of welfare and safety for journalists, ensuring that their sacrifices are not forgotten and their families are supported in their time of need,” said the OSI Convener, Comrade Tunde Oladunjoye.

The programme will also feature a keynote address by the Ogun State Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, as well as goodwill messages from dignitaries and testimonials from families of the journalists.

Notable among the personalities expected at the launch include the Onirete of Irete-Ijebu, Oba Abdulganiyu Olusegun Awokoya, who is the Royal Father of the Day; Chief (Mrs.) Bola Obasanjo, the wife of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who is the Mother of the Day. Also scheduled to attend are the Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker.

The OSI is also partnering with Ogun State Ministry of Health and will on the same day and venue, provide free medical outreach to journalists attending the programme.

L-R: FMN Controlling Shareholder, John Coumantaros; JBS Controlling Shareholder, Wesley Battista; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; CEO, Nigeria Investment Promotion Council (NIPC), Aisha Rimi and another JBS Controlling Shareholder, Joesley Battista, during their visit to the Governor at his Oke-Mosan Office, Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Sunday.