natnudO Foods commissions Benin City processing plant, launches natnuPreneur Scheme to empower farmers and entrepreneurs in Edo State

Amo Farm Sieberer Hatchery Limited’s subsidiary, natnudO Foods, a leading producer of high-quality animal protein, has officially commissioned its new processing plant in Benin City, Edo State. Located in the Obayanto community, Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, the commissioning ceremony, held on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, marks a significant milestone for the company as it expands its operations in Nigeria, contributing to the nation’s food security and the accessibility of high-quality animal protein.

The Benin City facility, one of several strategically located processing plants across Nigeria, will support natnudO’s mission of making affordable animal protein available to every Nigerian. The company already operates plants in Akinyele, Ibadan (Oyo State), Uyo (Akwa Ibom State), and Kaduna State, and the opening of this new plant underscores its commitment to providing sustainable food solutions while driving economic development in the region.

With support from Heifer International Nigeria, natnudO Foods launched the natnuPreneur Scheme, a transformative initiative aimed at empowering farmers and entrepreneurs in Edo State. This initiative is designed to provide farmers and entrepreneurs, especially women, with the knowledge, resources, and support they need to engage in poultry farming and the sale of animal protein products. The scheme consists of two key models: natnuPreneur Farmer and natnuPreneur Seller.

The natnuPreneur Farmer entrepreneurial initiative allows farmers to raise broiler and Noiler chickens under an out-grower model, which will then be bought back and processed at natnudO’s facilities. Similar to the way the program has delivered in other states, it aims to enable farmers with the knowledge, resources, and support necessary to succeed in the poultry business, creating wealth and employment opportunities in the local community across Edo State and beyond.

Also, the natnuPreneur Seller model is designed to enable individuals and businesses to establish themselves in the animal protein business. This model will operate through a Hub and Spoke system, where each Hub will be equipped with solar-powered freezers to store and distribute products to four attached Spokes, which will be provided with push carts and parasols for daily sales. This model is expected to empower small businesses, improve local distribution, and increase access to affordable protein in Edo State.

Both the Hubs and Spokes systems, including the solar-powered freezers and push carts, were officially commissioned during the event.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Ayoola Oduntan, Group Managing Director of Amo Farm Sieberer Hatchery Ltd., expressed the company’s excitement about the new plant’s potential to drive both economic and social growth in Edo State. “We are excited to expand our operations into Edo State, a state with tremendous agricultural potential,” he said.

 “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.” He continued.

Hon. Chris Nehikhare, Commissioner for Communications and Orientation, who represented the Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, commended the initiative for its potential to improve food security, generate employment, and contribute to the state’s economic development.

Mr. Stephen Idehenre, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, also attended the event and praised natnudO Foods for its innovative approach to addressing protein scarcity and promoting entrepreneurship.

natnudO Foods is committed to providing Nigerians with high-quality, affordable animal protein. Through its network of strategically located processing plants, natnudO aims to contribute to the country’s food security while supporting sustainable agricultural practices and economic development.