Bread makers in Nigeria have come together under a single body known as the Premium Breadmakers Association of Nigeria (PBAN).
The association, which was registered by the Corporate Affairs Commission on January 3 this year aims to among others “build synergy with relevant stakeholders in the bakery industry in Nigeria and ensure there Nigeria is no dumping of unwholesome baking materials that will constitute health hazard to Nigerians by partnering with NAFDAC, SON, Federal, State and Local Government agencies to expose individuals or organizations who choose to undercut and circumvent the system for personal gains.”
Speaking at its maiden press conference, the pioneer President of PBAN, Mr. Tosan Jemide, urged the federal government and other critical stakeholders in the sector to revive the cassava flour project. It would be recalled that during the Olusegun Obasanjo administration, government made attempt to ensure 20 per cent cassava flour was added to wheat flour in production of bread, but the initiative suffered various setbacks, especially after 2007 when Obasanjo’s tenure ended. Jemide said PBAN believed that the project was feasible and the association intended to make inputs into its revival and sustenance.
Jemide also said PBAN would engage critical stakeholders in the bread making industry to ensure its members get a fair deal in pricing of raw materials which would cascade to fairly-priced bread. He, however, added that foreign exchange rates, which determine the cost of raw materials, substantially took the issue of prices of bread out of the hands of bakers. He also said PBAN would work with regulatory agencies and other stakeholders to ensure Nigerians got quality and healthy bread.
He listed the main challenges PBAN members are facing as high cost of getting alternative energy due to epileptic power supply and lack of access to low interest loans, and appealed to the Bank of Industry to grant PBAN members special concession.
Jemide said PBAN’s membership was open to all premium bread makers in Nigeria, whose bakeries were registered with NAFDAC and the Ministry of Commerce and Industries and do not use harmful additives. In addition, their products must be packaged in printed wrappers with proper labeling, address and contact numbers and the bakery have safety measures and good manufacturing processes in place,.
The executives of tPBAN cuts across various background and include: Mr. Tosan Jemide, President; Mrs. Bose Ladi Ofolu, Deputy President; Mr. Ladipo Olumide, Asst. secretary; Prof. Olugbenro Oyekan, Secretary; Mrs. Oluyinka-Akinola, auditor; Mr. Emma Onuorah, publicity/Industrial Relations Officer; Mrs.Yetunde Adeyemo, Treasurer; Mr. Yomi Awe, Compliance/Protocol Officer and Dr. Abdulsalam Ogbemudia, Financial