The Federal Government recently faulted the statement made by Lagos State master bakers that its members in Lagos State never enjoyed the Federal Government’s disbursement of the N2.2 billion cassava bread fund since 2013.
The National Chairman of Master Bakers Association, Simeon Abanulo, who stated this in Abuja noted that about 171 bakers across the nation were beneficiaries and that 96 master bakers across the country have received their equipment.
“This is spread according to the geo-political zones. Six geo-political zones got something, at least four equipment including Lagos State,” he stated.
According to him, the balance of the equipment have not been received because of the delay of Bank of Industry (BoI), which it promised that on or before next week it will mobilise the supplies.
Reacting to the statement made by the chairman of the Lagos State master bakers that N14 million given to them was too much and that N5 million should be enough for each, Abanulo stressed that even with the N14 million they are still managing it.
“The N5 million cannot even buy one rotary oven, which costs about N7 million and other equipment that cost millions which they know.”
“The chairman himself is among the beneficiaries and others in Lagos State who are blackmailing this. This is not the time to play politics with food security.
“The Minister of Agriculture is doing everything within his reach to make sure that food sufficiency and security is obtained,” Abanulo stated.
Also speaking, National Provost, Jude Okafor, noted that out of N2.2 billion, N886 million has been received from BoI, which was given to the equipment supplies to supply equipment to the master bakers which they have done.
According to him, out this N886 million, 96 have benefited, including Lagos State.
While the Rivers State Chapter has not received their own disbursement from the BoI.
