ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- An indigenous company, Mitchelle Foods Enterprises Limited, the maker of Jigbo Instant African Salad, a locally produced Cassava noodles, has raised concern over multiple taxation, poor electricity supply, and insecurity in South East Nigeria.
According to him, these factors continue to impact their operations.
The company pointed out that the alarming insecurity situation has severely affected them because they source their local raw material (Cassava) from agricultural produce, and the insecure environment has led many farmers to abandon their farms out of fear.
Mr. Okah lamented that these challenges have been hindering the progress of the company, which has been contributing to tackling unemployment in Enugu State and beyond.
During an event in Enugu over the weekend, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr. Kingsley Okah, who said these, unveiled Actress, Broadcaster, and brand influencer, Miss Chidimma Devine Eze, as their new Brand Ambassador of Jigbo Instant African Salad.
Despite the challenges, the product, Jigbo Instant African Salad, has been gaining increasing acceptance and patronage not only in Nigeria but also in the United States of America and Europe, by the grace of God.
Mr. Okah emphasized that the Jigbo Instant African Salad product is purely organic, made from Cassava, and has been certified by relevant regulatory agencies in Nigeria and abroad, such as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON).
The product is currently selling well in 13 Nigerian States and is being exported to different countries worldwide.
“We need to spread the good news about the product because of its health benefits,” Okah explained, justifying the decision to unveil another brand ambassador in addition to their existing one to help spread the message further.
Mr. Okah revealed that Jigbo Instant African Salad is a divine project engineered to promote Africa and Nigeria globally. He expressed their desire to introduce their local noodle to various parts of the world, similar to how some countries flood Nigeria with their products.
The company sees the product as a means of indirectly employing over two thousand rural Cassava farmers, particularly women, who now have a market for their produce after harvesting.
The newly appointed brand ambassador, Miss Eze, expressed her excitement about representing the indigenous product and spreading its message. She noted that she not only endorses the product but also enjoys consuming it personally.
One of the major distributors, Mr Chidiebere Kingsley Akpata, praised the uniqueness of Jigbo Instant African Salad, which is organic and distinct from other noodles. He switched from trading goods from foreign countries to promoting and distributing Jigbo after discovering the product.
The company appealed to the Enugu state and federal governments to create a business-friendly environment for firms operating in the region, including implementing reasonable taxation policies. They believe that supporting the agricultural sector and providing necessary farm implements, like fertilizers, would boost Cassava production in the country.