Our sister company, natnudO Foods, a leading producer of high-quality animal protein, officially commissioned its new processing plant in Obayanto, Ikpoba Okha LGA, Benin City, Edo State, on Wednesday, November 6, 2024. This milestone reinforces our commitment to making high-quality animal protein accessible and affordable to communities across Nigeria.
The new plant in Benin City joins our other established processing facilities in Akinyele, Ibadan, Uyo, and Kaduna State, further expanding our footprint and capacity to meet the growing demand for animal protein in the country. At natnudO Foods, we recognize the crucial role of protein in human nutrition and food security, and we are committed to ensuring that protein-rich food products are available to all Nigerians.
With support from Heifer International Nigeria, the plant’s commissioning also saw the launch of the natnuPreneur Scheme. This entrepreneurial initiative is aimed at driving growth and providing new opportunities within Edo State’s agriculture and food sector. Through the scheme, we are introducing two new models designed to benefit farmers and entrepreneurs: natnuPreneur Farmer and natnuPreneur Seller.
- natnuPreneur Farmer
The natnuPreneur Farmer model is an out-grower scheme aimed at empowering local farmers to raise broiler and Noiler chickens for processing by natnudO Foods. This initiative is designed to create a new generation of knowledgeable, skilled, and financially successful farmers. By supporting emerging farmers, natnudO Foods is not only helping to increase local production but also contributing to the economic upliftment of rural communities across Edo State.
Through training, access to resources, and a guaranteed market for their produce, natnuPreneur Farmers will be equipped with the tools to succeed. The initiative encourages sustainable farming practices and offers participants an opportunity to grow their businesses while contributing to the country’s food security.
2. natnuPreneur Seller
In addition to empowering farmers, natnudO Foods is launching the natnuPreneur Seller model to create opportunities for individuals and existing businesses wishing to venture into the animal protein sector. This model is built around a Hub and Spoke system, designed to provide a structured and efficient distribution network for natnudO Foods’ products.
Each Hub in this system will be equipped with solar-powered freezers, allowing them to store products and distribute them to Spokes. The Spokes – which can include small businesses and entrepreneurs – will receive daily product supplies from the Hubs and sell them through push carts and parasols, offering fresh animal protein products directly to customers in their communities.
The Hub and Spoke model is not only innovative but also sustainable. The solar-powered freezers ensure that products stay fresh and maintain the cold chain, while the push carts provide mobility and the ability to sell directly in high-traffic areas. This model will create new jobs and empower entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed in the animal protein business, ultimately contributing to increased access to nutritious food for communities across Edo State.
Our Group Managing Director, Dr. Ayoola Oduntan, expressed his excitement about the new processing plant and the potential for economic and social growth it represents for Edo State.
“We are excited to expand our operations into Edo State, a state with tremendous agricultural potential,” said Dr. Oduntan. “We believe in the power of partnership and community. Our mission is to ensure that protein is accessible to every Nigerian, and by launching the natnuPreneur scheme, we are not only increasing local production but also creating new opportunities for farmers and entrepreneurs across the state.”
Dr. Oduntan also highlighted the importance of collaboration, stating that the success of the natnuPreneur Scheme depends on the commitment and effort of all stakeholders involved, including local farmers, entrepreneurs, and the government.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by notable figures, including the Commissioner for Communications and Orientation in Edo State, Hon. Chris Nehikhare, who represented the Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, as well as the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security in Edo State, Mr. Stephen Idehenre.
Mr. Idehenre commended natnudO Foods for its investment in the state and emphasized the importance of such initiatives in driving economic growth, improving food security, and creating jobs. He also expressed the Edo State Government’s commitment to supporting agribusiness ventures that foster development and empower local communities.
The opening of the Benin City plant and the launch of the natnuPreneur Scheme are just the beginning of our larger vision to transform Nigeria’s animal protein sector. By focusing on sustainable farming practices, empowering local entrepreneurs, and building efficient distribution networks, natnudO Foods is committed to supporting Nigeria’s agricultural and economic growth.
We look forward to seeing the natnuPreneur Farmer and natnuPreneur Seller models thrive, and we are excited about the potential impact they will have on local communities, businesses, and the country’s food security.
As we continue to grow and expand our operations, we remain committed to our core mission: ensuring that high-quality animal protein is accessible to every Nigerian, every day.
