The president of National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTs), Barr Ken Ukaoha has disclosed that all is set for the association to commission its newly built modern abatteur, first of its kind in Abuja the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), even as he disclosed that the association wants to establish first milk production industry in the FCT too.
He added that NANTs is planning to expand its cassava processing factory in Kwali, also in the FCT
The President further added that they have started expansion of their rice mills located in Niger and Nasarawa states respectively.
He said that the essence of expansion of the cassava processing factory in Abuja and the rice mill in Nasarawa state is for the benefit of the members and the public, while the essence of expansion of the one in Niger, according to him wasn’t only for public interest, but also to use the opportunity to empower any willing member to own his or hers, as rice production is there main occupation.
This latest developments was made public by the national president, when leaders of the women’s wing in the FCT led by their overall leader, Amb (Mrs) Rachael Adewumi paid courtesy call on him Tuesday.
Although he said that their mills and cassava processing centre have created employments for many, but was quick to add that, their expansion would give more employments to many.
Ukaoha further informed that they plan a skill acquisition scheme for graduates, who would learn how to use animal horns, skins, among others from their abattoir, to manufacture one thing or the other for exportation.
The president therefore added that NANTs went into such ventures to diversity from buying and selling to production, but also to ensure that they produce what they buy and sell.
If they reduce all the importations and produce them by theselves, he went on, there will be favorable balance of trade, as well as employments and improvements in the nation’s economy.
Based on his experience from politicians, he advised them to be careful on how they go about politics, so as to not bring it in NANTs.
“Although we are all political animals and belong to one party or the other, but due to that fact that politics in Nigeria is that of betrayal, be careful of politics, politicians and ensure that you don’t bring politics into NANTs. Remember that you are into business for your children and family’s welfare; remember also that non of the politicians’ children are in Nigeria and that they go into politics for their own selfish interest. Be careful of politics and politicians,” she warned.
Commending the woman for leadership, by making very good use of his office, he said that if not for a leader like Adewumi, the FCT NANTs, according to him would hve died.
“I think God has a way of planting people from time to time and He knows what it is going to be in the next 20 years and He plants people ahead. You have shown a motherly character required in leadership, by moving NANTs forward in the FCT. You have shown what leadership is, by exhibiting motherly character. It is not easy to have followers, especially when you are a leader in your individual places. It is not easy to leave your businesses for the good of members.
Informing them that they have secured their own building and office, devoid of paying for rents again, he advised the woman leader to ensure that they be the first to pay courtesy call on the next FCT minster. This, he said would enable them collaborate with the minister for the interest of the traders and the economy.
Responding, the woman leader commended him for creation of awareness about the association. She said that author his efforts, the presidency, other countries of the world and international organizations wouldn’t have known the existence of NANTs.
Confirming that NANTs has functioning cassava procesing centre, a newly built modern abbatuer for commissioning soon; rice mills in Niger and Nasarawa states, she however congratulated the nelwy inaugurated FCT Senator Ireti Kingibe. Beckoning the senator for collaborate with trader to boost the economy, she appealed to her to use her good office to assist the traders in the areas of soft loans, saying that it will go a long way to the economy.