Smallholder farmers in Edo State have applauded the Governor
Godwin Obaseki-led administration for creating the right environment to attract
the investment in the Oil Palm Sector.
The applaud came on the heels of about N69b committed by the Central Bank of
Nigeria (CBN) for the State Oil Palm Programme (ESOPP).A cross section of the
farmers, who spoke to journalists, in Benin City, said the investment would
revolutionalise the oil palm sector in the state, which will have a spiral
effect on other aspects of the economy.
A farmer in Okada axis of the state, Mrs. Esosa Igbinoba, said the investment
would allow a number of the plantation owners expand their hectarage and
processing capacity, which will have positive effect on smallholder farmers in
the axis.
According to her: “We were excited when we heard that the CBN will be
committing billions of naira for the development of the oil palm sector in the
state. We already have two heavyweights in Nigeria’s oil palm sector, namely
Okomu Plc. and Presco Plc., in the state. The investment further opens up the
field for more players.
“Particularly, we want to thank the Governor for making the land available for
the plantation owners and smallholder farmers to access the fund. We are very
confident that the investment will transform the state for the better.”
Barr. Emmanuel Usen, said the state governor has shown uncommon resolve in
unlocking land assets to attract investment, noting: “We have experienced a new
wave of agricultural revolution in Edo State with the governor’s determined
effort to create wealth and job opportunities for youths with the ESOPP. It is
going to change a lot of things.“We know that the investment will last for
years, with each stage involving the employment of a number of people in the
plantations. About 600,000 people are expected to benefit from the activities.
We can’t ask for more than this, as long as our people are gainfully engaged.”
