How Yobe Gov, Buni Revolutionizes Sesame Seed Processing with Modern Factories In Yobe
By Suleiman Baba Gimba
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Yobe State, nestled in northeastern Nigeria, is taking a bold step towards economic transformation by leveraging its agricultural potentials.
Known as one of the country’s largest producers of sesame seeds, Yobe State contributes 46,100 metric tonnes annually, securing its position as the sixth-largest sesame seed producer in Nigeria. However, with recent developments, this figure is poised to soar, thanks to the establishment of modern sesame seed processing factories under the visionary leadership of Governor Mai Mala Buni.
The state has long been a hub for sesame farming, a crop valued for its versatility and high economic returns. Sesame seeds are not just consumed as snacks; they are used extensively in households for cooking, in bakeries, confectioneries, and for various industrial purposes.
Yobe’s sesame seeds are categorized by color into two main types white and brown/mixed.
The white sesame seeds are classified as food-grade, suitable for baking, confectionery, and retail packaging, while the brown/mixed varieties are oil-grade, favored for their high oil content and primarily used in sesame oil production.
Despite Yobe’s significant contributions to Nigeria’s sesame production, the state had, until now, been unable to fully harness the economic potentials of the crop. Farmers faced challenges in processing and packaging their produce to meet international standards, which limited their access to lucrative global markets.
Recognizing this gap, Governor Buni’s administration has prioritized modernizing the sesame value chain to enhance the state’s agricultural economy.
Gov Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State
The visionary leadership of Governor Mai Mala Buni, has constructed four state-of-the-art sesame seed processing factories in Machina, Nguru, Potiskum, and Damaturu.
These facilities, now completed and awaiting commissioning, were meant to elevate the quality of sesame seeds to meet international standards.
Each factory is equipped with cutting-edge technology capable of processing six tonnes of sesame seeds per hour.
This advancement will not only enhance the efficiency of sesame production in the state but also ensures that farmers’ have good returns at each farming season in addition to boosting the economic status of the state.
Suleiman Baba Gimba
Information/Public Relations Officer,
Yobe State Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Tourism and Solid Minerals
