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…Seeks patronage from the government
By Olivia Obijiaku
The Catholic Bishop of Zaria and the Legal Holder of CATHDIZA Integrated Farms, Most Rev. Dr. George Jonathan Dodo has expressed his desire to empower women and youth through the recently commissioned Modern Rice Mill Factory. He made this known at the commissioning of the Modern Rice Mill Factory which was commissioned by his Kafanchan counterpart, Most Rev Dr. Julius Yakubu in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Pastoral Centre Graceland Zaria on Thursday, 28th April 2022.
Fr. Atuma
Speaking through the Vicar General of the diocese, Very Rev Fr. Henry Atuma, Bishop Dodo explained that the factory is also aimed at making food ready for the people at a cheap rate soliciting for partnership and support from the Kaduna State Government; the Zazzau Emirate Council; experts in agriculture; Catholic and non-Catholic groups, individuals and organizations.
“This is our venture.” He announced. “This is our rice mill. This started as a nonprofit making organization as far back as the year 2001. The sole aim of this organization was to empower the less privileged and the disadvantaged, women and youth and precisely, widows and orphans irrespective of religion, denomination or tribe. That is what led us to this human capacity development. Today, it has metamorphosed into what we have now as an incorporation with the Cooperate Affairs Commission. CATHDIZA Farms is incorporated with Corporate Affairs Commission, so we have the license to operate. We also have a NAFDAC Number for our CATHDIZA Farms – ready with the process of starting with the commissioning today. We are going into our business to minimize poverty and ensure food security in Zaria and its environs for a better and greater Nigerian society. Our mission is to engage, train, employ and empower the less privileged.”
A cross section of clergy and lay faithful at the Mass
Acknowledging individuals and partners who sacrificed resource for the actualization of the project, His Lordship expressed his hope of excelling beyond the present level so as to contribute more in making Nigeria a better society.
He thanked the Bishop Kundi for representing Bishop Dodo and for supporting the business venture right from its inception while was a priest of the diocese; Metropolitan Archbishop of Kaduna, Most Rev Dr. Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso represented by the Rector of the Good Shepherd Major Seminary, Rev Fr. Habila Dabo; the Bishop of Kano, Most Rev Dr. John Namaja Niyiring as represented by Rev Fr. Michael Adebo.
A cross section of dignitaries at the reception
He equally thanked His Excellency, Mallam Nasiru El Rufai and his Deputy, Dr. (Mrs.) Hadiza Balarabe, who were represented by the Kaduna State Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon Ibrahim Garba Hussaini; the Emir of Zaria Amb Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, represented by Mallam Mustapha Ubaidu and other distinguished guests.