Dangote distances self from alleged poisonous GMO rice

News Express |6th Sep 2016 | 2,703

Dangote Group on Tuesday morning dismissed as cheap blackmail a WhatsApp broadcast (not by News Express) alleging a partnership between it and the Nigerian Government to import and flood the market with poisonous Genetically Modified (GMO) rice.

The Group said in a WhatsApp broadcast: “The malicious broadcast alleging a partnership between Dangote and FG for importing and flooding the market with poisonous GMO rice is ABSOLUTELY FALSE! What people should know however is the ground breaking progress Dangote Rice has made since 2014 when it stopped importation of rice and began local cultivation. See the facts for yourself!

•2014: Dangote signed $1billion agreement with FG or integrated rice production in Kebbi, Niger, Jigawa and Kwara

•2016: Started a multibillion naira Rice Outgrower Scheme over 8,000 hectares in Hadejia, Jigawa State

•2016: Created over 10,000 jobs (Direct and indirect) to farmers who are an integral part of the Rice Outgrower Scheme

•FARO 44 rice seeds distributed to farmers during the Outgrower Scheme was sourced from Africa Rice and certified by the National Agricultural Seeds Council

“The intent of this broadcast is to bring into disrepute the hard-earned reputation of Dangote and actualisation of its vision of making Nigeria self-sufficient in rice production. Moreover, with the ever watchful eagle eyes of organisations such as NAFDAC, SON, CPC with mandate to ensure food safety, how can a big organisation like Dangote import and flood the market with poisonous rice?”

•Photo shows Dangote Group President Aliko Dangote.