*Ekemini James
Baring any change in plan, Africa's largest Food Retailer,
Shoprite is set to begin operations in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State Capital in October,
2018.
Speaking during the site inspection, at Ibom Tropicana, on
Monday, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Technical Matters and
Due Process, Elder Ufot Ebong said
the State Government had begun negotiations with Shoprite, in order to have
them established a shop in the State, noting their presence will further
improve the economic fortunes of the State.
While describing Governor Udom Emmanuel as a future conscious
leader, Ebong lauded the agricultural revolution being witnessed in the State,
saying such moves are proofs that the State will be able to supply Shoprite
with products.
On other benefits of the firm in the State, the Governor's Aide
said it will further boost the job creation policy of Governor Emmanuel,
through the creation of not less than 5000 jobs, for unemployed youths in the State.
"Governor Udom Emmanuel plans
ahead, when he started the vegetable revolution, Akwa Ibom Started planting
varieties of vegetables like tomatoes, onion, garbage, name them, all these are
common vegetables that you see in Shoprite shops.
"When we started discussing with Shoprite, they had told us
that they buy their products from the locality and that they do not import. So
we started experimenting to see whether our soil can sustain a chain like
Shoprite.
"So that's why we urged Akwa Ibomites to start cultivating
these vegetables, by the time they are ready, we should be able to supply
them", he said.
On his part, the Project Supervisor, Engr. Kachi collaborated
that the emergence of the firm will reduce wastage of locally produced crops,
while also reducing unemployment in the State.
"We'll create jobs here, people will work during the
Construction, people will work in each of the shops when it's fully up, people
will work as suppliers", he said.
Kachi who announced October 1, 2018 as date for commencement of
sales, also commended the Akwa Ibom State Government for its determination to
improving of her citizenry and tasked farmers in the State to begin the
cultivation vegetables and fruits.
"You won't see anything on the grounds here, but it will
will happen, it's a gradual process. We have a construction calendar and by
October 1, 2018, we will have Shoprite on.
"All the local farmers, tomato farmers, vegetable farmers,
coconut farmers, pineapple farmers, should begin cultivation so they can
benefit when we commence operations", he added.
Shoprite made a promise of lower prices. This promise has formed
the very foundation of our business, and has helped us grow into Africa’s
largest food retailer.
Using their massive bulk buying power, Shoprite is Africa's
largest Food Retailer, offering a world-class shopping experience on a variety
of food products, household goods and small appliances at the lowest possible
prices.
See more photos below..
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