Julius Berger Launches World-Class First Cashew Processing Plant in Odomola, Epe

By Babatunde Kaka

Industrialization, a key indicator of Epe Division’s socioeconomic development, received a major boost on Tuesday, September 13th, 2022, when construction giant, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, commissioned an ultra-modern cashew processing plant in the heart of Odomola in Eredo-LCDA, Epe, Lagos State

This is in addition to the deliberate efforts and audacious statements made by the Lagos State Government in collaboration with private organizations to transform coastal towns through the establishment of a variety of industries.

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It is worth noting that the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Dangote Refinery, and Lekki Deep Sea Port, among others, have begun operations in an enviable fashion, with consistent socio-economic impacts on the coastal communities.

According to Eko Hot Blog, the commissioning of the state-of-the-art cashew plant was not only a well-thought-out commitment by the company to economically empower rural dwellers, thereby hastening the emergence of a socio-economically viable town, but it also laid the groundwork for the company’s diversification strategies into other sectors of the economy.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Mutiu Sunmonu, Chairman of Julius Berger’s Board of Directors, said the occasion marked a watershed moment in the company’s history because it is adequately prepared to succeed and move in the right direction for Nigeria, its employees, and shareholders.

While noting the diversification milestone achievement, he reflected on the company’s history in Nigeria, emphasizing that the company has always been well-represented with trademark great value chain since its inception in 1965, when Julius Berger Nigeria heralded the country in grand style with the construction of the Eko Bridge.

He also stated that the construction behemoth is far from finished, as there are several other plans in the works that would transform it into a formidable conglomerate.

“We have now strategically diversified Julius Berger from being only an engineering construction entity into agricultural produce processing for which we all know Nigerians have a historical antecedent and understandable nostalgia. As we continue to work on our plans, you will see us transform into a conglomerate,” he said.

The Chairman added that the new factory is semi-automated for premium international quality cashew processing designed to produce about 60 tons per day, stressing that the company is committed to creating and sustaining the increasing value and adding significantly to Nigeria’s GDP.

Eko Hot Blog reports that the representative of the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Mohammed Mahmood Abubakar ably represented by Mrs. Abimbola Oguntuyi, applauded Julius Berger for the well-thought-out investment. She disclosed this after taking a tour and inspection of the processing plant.

Earlier in his remarks, the Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Dr. Lars Richter, disclosed that the establishment of Julius Berger’s first-of-its-kind Cashew Processing Plant in Epe town was a remarkable milestone in the company’s relationship with Nigeria.

“Today we start another milestone in our relationship with Nigeria built from the past into the future. That mission will continue. Our launch into agriculture is part of our larger ambition to diversify and expand our positive impact while extending our contribution to Nigeria, beyond construction.

“I cannot help but speak about how far we have come as a company and how much more we hope to achieve. I thank the Epe community for welcoming the company and partnering with us for greater heights for the country’s cashew industry and the country as a whole,” he said.

Tobias Meletschus, Director of Corporate Development, added that the project was part of the company’s commitment to greater growth because “this is a tremendous achievement and our first step into agro-processing.”

Meletschus stated that the company values productive and result-oriented partnerships that are innovative and ensure the highest quality of products and services. “To achieve this, we are already partnering with farmers, employing over 300 employees with impressive payroll even as we target a zero-waste policy at our production plant,” he said.

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“All of this, combined with the fact that our cashew is farmed and processed locally, makes our efforts homegrown and, in essence, unique,” he explained.

Mighty Kashoo is said to be the fresh staple food to hit the highly competitive Nigerian market, which will also be available for export after being uniquely processed and packaged by Julius Berger cashew.

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