The official ground breaking and foundation laying ceremonies for the establishment of Sweet Sorghum (feedstock) production farm, ethanol refinery complex and the Life Camp by the Executive Governor of Ekiti State, Engr. Olusegun Oni on the 8th July, 2008.

The ceremonies were witnessed by our able public, private sector partners, dignitaries, investors, land owners, top government officials, the Obadu of Ilemeso, His Royal Highness Oba David Adegboyega Oyewunmi, and the entire good people of Ilemeso in the Oye Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Nigeria.

After the arrival of the Ekiti State Executive Council and the distinguished guests, the MD/CEO of Global Biofuels Ltd (Dr) Otunba Felix B. Obada gave the welcome address. In his address he starts by welcoming the chairman of the Global Biofuels Limited, Chief (Dr) J.O Sanusi, the man who as CBN Governor authored the blueprint that pave the way for the banking industry consolidation in Nigeria and Chairman Standard Chartered Bank PLC. In his welcome address he also Welcome Senator Bode Olajumoke and Otunba Solomon Ayodele Oladunni the only Nigerian who has ever attained the highest position by any in Exxon Mobil Unlimited.

Among the important dignities he introduced are Apostle Hayford Alile, the father of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, Chairman of Oceanic Bank PLC, Chairman of Unilever, Chairman of UTC and other directors of the company which include Mahey R. Rasheed (Ec-CBN Deputy Governor), M.O Ajayi, Steve Akinretoye and professor Anthony Babatunde Obilana.

The Chairman, Global Biofuels Ltd, Chief (Dr.) J. O. Sanusi gave his welcome address. He stated that this project is the second Sweet Sorghum Biofuels Project in Nigeria, next to the on-going Biofuels Project at Arigidi Akoko, in Ondo State Nigeria. In his address he said the project is expected to produce fuel-grade ethanol that will be utilized to blend fossil-fuel for the purpose or reducing carbon emission into atmosphere. It will also reduce the depletion of the Ozone layer as well as stem global warming. He said the plan of Global Biofuels Limited is to produce approximately 1.5 million litres of fuel ethanol per day. He said to achieve this daily production target; similar factory will be established in seven (7) state of the Nigeria federation.

The Feedstock Production Group Coordinator and Head of the Global Biofuels Ltd, Prof. A.B Obilana gave his welcome address and stated the expected Impacts from the Biofuels Project. Among these are employment opportunity for about 8000 people in each participating state, reduction of urban migration from villages and small communities in participating states, continuous production of sweet sorghum feedstock-based-ethanol (a positive energy initiative) in the country: a novel and unique approach in Nigeria and Africa and Improved and better living conditions of peoples, households and communities in and around the project areas by provision of electricity power and cash income.