2 months ago
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The Ogun State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council and other stakeholders to create a favorable environment for the cashew industry to flourish.
This was disclosed in a statement on Wednesday by the State Head of Service, Mr Kehinde Onasanya, during a one-day intervention programme and distribution of cashew seedlings to farmers, organised by NEPC in partnership with the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment.
The event, held at the Obas’ Complex in Oke Mosan, Abeokuta, aimed to bolster the state’s comparative advantage in cashew production and strengthen the implementation of the One State, One Product initiative under the State Committee on Export Promotion.
Onasanya said the programme is pivotal in positioning Ogun State as a key player in Nigeria’s cashew export market, contributing to the nation’s overall economic diversification agenda.
“Cashew has long been a crop of economic importance in Ogun State, as it can significantly contribute to the state’s revenue, create jobs, and promote sustainable development in our rural communities,” Onasanya said.
The Head of Service said that the intervention programme is an excellent opportunity to address pressing issues such as capacity building and training, enhancing infrastructure and technology, and market access and information for the cashew farmers to foster a business-friendly environment.
He therefore urged the stakeholders to remain committed and collaborative while leveraging the programme to lay a solid foundation for a vibrant and sustainable cashew industry that would not only benefit the farmers and exporters but also contribute to the broader economic development of the state and Nigeria as a whole.
The host commissioner, Mr Adebola Sofela, noted that cashew production is a cornerstone of the state agricultural landscape and a vital contributor to economic well-being, adding that it represents a pathway to prosperity, a source of employment, and a means of sustaining their families.
The NEPC Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Nonye Ayeni, represented by NEPC Director of Product Development, Mrs Evelyn Obidike, said the council is not resting on its oars.
She said the council is poised to move cashew production to an enviable height with the One State, One Product initiative in the states.
In his goodwill message, the Akarigbo of Remo Land, HRM Babatunde Ajayi, represented by Elemunren of Emuren HRH, Adesegun Alowole, eulogised the state government for the synergy with NEPC to increase cashew production in the state and solicited for more interventions to support the farmers in all local government areas of the state.
Earlier in her welcome address, the State Coordinator NEPC, Mrs Francisca Odega, said the event signified the work of the talk principle of the council, as the intervention is meant to equip the farmers with an improved and specialised cashew breed that the product would be suitable for export, adding that cashew is a wholesome product in the state.
