FG denies media reports on cassava bread

A press statement signed by the ministry’s Director of Information and Protocol, Tony Ohaeri, said that against the backdrop of the rising profile of the high quality cassava bread and other confectioneries, the opinion currently being promoted in such media was doomed to fail because it did not represent the voice of stakeholders.The statement declared […]

A press statement signed by the ministry’s Director of Information and Protocol, Tony Ohaeri, said that against the backdrop of the rising profile of the high quality cassava bread and other confectioneries, the opinion currently being promoted in such media was doomed to fail because it did not represent the voice of stakeholders.
The statement declared that the 20% wheat- cassava flour bread has recently received high profile local and international endorsements.
The statement said it was clear that wheat cassava composite bread received high rating.
“Big retail outlets such as Shoprite, Park n’ Shop and Next Super Stores all bake and sell the bread daily, with reports from these chain stores affirming that the demand for the bread is impressive,” the statement added.
The statement said, therefore, that that the opposition to wheat cassava bread was not based on any objective assessment but unpatriotic propaganda sponsored by some wheat millers and the wheat exporting countries they represent to promote their selfish business interests.
It said the ministry was determined to work with all stakeholders, including public agencies, confectioners, flour millers and cassava growers, to make the production of wheat-cassava flour and allied products a profitable means of livelihood for teeming Nigerian youths who have already shown great interest in growing cassava and wheat.
The statement said it has trained 766 master bakers on 20% cassava bread production in 2013 with support given for capacity building for master bakers.