KOSCEPA Holds Meeting, engages relevant stakeholders of Palmkernel, cashew merchants association, cashew processors association, cashew farmers association of Kogi State.
Hon. Victor Omofaiye, Director General, KOSCEPA, today, 16th January, 2025 at it corporate office engaged in a productive discussion with critical stakeholders in Palmkernel and cashew associations.
The meeting focused on strategies to strengthen the agricultural sector, with particular emphasis on Kogi State’s notable commodity, cashew and Palmkernel production.
Hon. Omofaiye highlighted the critical roles of the Agency to collaborate with the cashew farmers association, cashew processors association, cashew merchants association, Kogi East Chapter.
He pointed out that Kogi State shares border with nine states including the FCT, said it is a good opportunity for farmers to make use of the opportunity by not allowing the off-takers to overtake what should be of benefit to the state.
He further emphasized the commitment of the current administration under Governor Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo (FCA), said the administration has prioritized agriculture as a key sector for growth and development.
The DG noted that the government has taken deliberate steps to support farmers by distributing thousand of fertilizer and farming equipment across the state, stressed that achieving the agricultural objectives envisioned would require continued investment in infrastructure and training programs.
In response, the representatives of the Association led by Alh. Ichapi Mohammed (Exporters of Cashew products), Mr. Samson Ochem, Chairman Merchants Association and Audu Yunisa of cashew Processors association assured Hon. Omofaiye of the readiness to collaborate with KOSCEPA. He further stated that the Agency is what the State has been lacking for a long time, said with the creation of KOSCEPA, there will be proper arrangement on how to export commodities originating from Kogi state like cashew and Palmkernel out of the State.
He acknowledged that agriculture remains the backbone of Kogi State and Nigeria at large, added that initiative like this could significantly strengthen food security, create Job opportunity and contribute to economic growth.
At the end of the meeting, both the Agency and the relevant stakeholders from Palmkernel and cashew processors, cashew merchants association agreed to work closely to improve the sector. They resolved to utilize opportunity provided by the government through KOSCEPA, to contribute meaningfully to the GDP in line with the vision of the Chief Servant of Kogi State. Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo. (FCA).