UNIDO will facilitate the collaboration arrangement between the Japanese Government and Ifelodun Cassava Processing, a non-governmental organization, and provide technical assistance in the implementation of the project. The NGO received a grant of $97,023 from Japan while about $100,000 will be contributed by UNIDO.

“We hope that this project, funded by the Government of Japan and supported by UNIDO, will contribute to community development in Oyo state,'' said Shigeru Hamano, Japan's deputy ambassador to Nigeria.

“UNIDO's role is to provide smallholder processors with the technical support that will enhance large output and good quality of product to help them meet international standards. The components to be provided under the funding include cassava processing equipment such as graters, flash dryer, hammer mill and a borehole,” said UNIDO's national programme officer in Nigeria, Reuben Bamidele.