The Ebonyi government has banned the sale of imported rice in state.
Governor David Umahi while speaking with participants of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Senior Course 39, Jaji, who isited him in Abakaliki on Monday said the government will soon enforce the ban.
He said people should patronise Ebonyi Rice.
“I will personally lead a task force, consisting of the State Executive Council members to various markets and enforce the order.
“Individuals who are selling the produce will provide certification of its quality because most of the rice brought into the state are not parboiled.
“Any rice that is not parboiled after six months turns to chaff as most of them brought into the country stay for about 10 years before being imported.
“The rice then becomes poisonous and we have banned cooking of non-Ebonyi rice inside the state’s Government House, hotels and public functions.
“The Ebonyi Rice still presents its unique taste even when cooked without meat and we will give you some quantities for attestation,” he said.
Dolapo is a writer and journalist who works with YNaija. He has interests in Christianity, politics and sports.
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