The Executive Director/CEO of Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) Dr Ezra Yakusak on monday said the agency will support cashew farmers and establish a cashew Processing plant in Ogbomoso
Yakusak who was in Ogbomoso with Minister of Youth and Sport Mr Sunday Dare said the processing plants will be of joint ownership between government and the farmers.
During the tour some cashew plantations and meeting with the Unity Farmers Association of Nigeria in Ogbomoso,Oyo State, Yakusak expressed the agency commitment to develop farmers product which cashew is one of them.
He disclosed that their investigation revealed that Ogbomoso cashew is the best among the 19 producing states in Nigeria.
He thanked the Minister for drawing the attention of the agency to the suffering of farmers in Ogbomoso Land and promised that the agency will collaborate with farmer and establish Cashew Processing Plant in Ogbomoso.
The Honorable minister of youth and sports development, Chief Sunday Akin Dare while speaking during the meeting reiterated his plans to assist Farmers in Oyo state , particularly Ogbomoso Land in order to add value to the farm product and create employment, wealth in the state.
The minister emphasized that the establishment of Cashew Processing Plant in Ogbomoso would reduce the waste of cashew fruits and delay in the export of raw nuts out of the country and boost morale of farmers in Oyo state.
The Minister who announced donation of lands for the cashew processing plant said “When we support farmers and develop Cashew and other products,it will definitely create job for teeming Nigeria youths. I will continue to do everything to develop and support Farmers.
He however thanked the entire staff of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council for their positive response to the issue that affected Cashew Farmer in Ogbomoso Land and made announcement for the donation of the land for the establishment of the Cashew Processing Plant.
President of Unity Farmers Association of Nigeria,Mr Aremu Tunde Micheal in his remark appreciated the Minister’s efforts and commitment toward the well-being of farmers and development of Ogbomoso land which stood him out among the politicians from Ogbomoso land.
” We have tried in many ways to express our suffering to Government which has always proved abortive until the intervention of the Minister ,the minister has a very good intention for farmers in Ogbomoso land and we oray that God will continue to bless him
Also Speaking, Former Chairman of Ogbomoso North LCDA, Barrister Daud Suleiman appreciated the minister for his commitment to politics of development which have brought rapid development to Ogbomoso Land.
He explained that what people see here today is one of many support from the minister to the farmers in Ogbomoso Land.
He however noted that the Minister facilitated 80bed hospital, Sports Centre,over #1billon roads project , federal employment, federal appointment, empowerment Programmes among others to Ogbomoso.
