Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, says his administration is leveraging the collaboration in the oil palm sector, attracting viable investors to invest in the state to boost the economic prosperity of the people.
Obaseki, who was represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Stephen Odehenre, said this during the signing of the multi-party Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) concerning sustainable agricultural forest production and improved livelihood in the Okomu landscape.
This is the second phase of the initiative as the first phase enabled small-holder farmers to increase their livelihood within the Okomu Forest Reserve in Ovia South West Local Governments Area.
The Dutch Government has been supportive as a dependable partner in driving the initiative.
The signing of relevant documents signified the commencement of the second phase in the Sakponba Reserve for growing oil palm and to manage small-holder farmers to benefit from their inclusion in the oil palm markets.
The governor, who appreciated the Netherlands Government for its commitment and support, explained the benefits and gains of the initiative, saying, “The first phase of the programme and initiative enabled small holder farmers to increase their livelihood within the Okomu forest Reserve in Ovia South West Local Governments Area of Edo State, while in the second phase we are expecting scaling up in the Sakponba Reserve for growing oil palms and to manage small holder farmers to benefit from their inclusion in the oil palm markets.
“The Edo State government in trying to guarantee food security in the State made some grand treaty embracing investors to help invest in the State.The government is sensitive in helping the forest reserve and growing the Forest”.
Obaseki further explained that the programme will create wealth for Edo people in the oil palm programme, especially the small-holder scheme being developed in the state and with the support of IDH and the Dutch Government, the lives of Edo people will greatly improve in wealth and prosperity.
Consul General of the Kingdom of Netherlands, Michel Deelen, who witnessed the signing of the MoU, described Edo as the home of palm oil and the only state qualified to implement the second phase of the programme after demonstrating its commitment in the first phase with impressive outcomes.
“I insisted on being here because we can’t be working on the project and not be here in the state. We may be wondering why the Dutch Government decided to be working in the State.
“We are working to enable the people to know that the Palm oil coming from Edo State is sustainable and Edo State is the home of Palm oil and has achieved an increase in the production of Palm oil in the State.
“Palm oil brings in more revenue for small holder farmers who work around the bigger farmers and will be helped by the support we have brought along.
“Our goal is to continue to drive this initiative and continue to impact the lives of small holder farmers and as well ensure we bring in more investment to Edo State by promoting sustainable oil palm as oil palm is so useful and has many products that can be derived from it as it’s time to diversify the economic base of Nigeria.
“One of the instruments to bring economic growth and development is an increment in palm oil production in the State as the World needs Oil, Nigerian Oil that is sustainable.
“I am very impressed with the projects and it’s very successful and we are just entering the second phase and the programme is about the livelihood of the small holder farmers and Sustainable Oil Palm production in Edo State to enable the creation of revenue for the small farmers and increase turnout out for small holders farmers”, Micheal Deelen said.
Meanwhile, the chairman, Forestry Commission, Prof. Godwin Omokhua described Edo as the historical centerpiece of oil palm, expressing the commitment of his Commission towards the successful implementation of the programme, just as other stakeholders reeled out the impact of the first phase.
He explained that Forestry before now was just a Department in the Ministry of Agriculture without impact but the vision of the Governor separated it and established it as a Commission.
“We appreciate the Governor for his good works and vision as he has positioned the State to contest in the world carbon trade”. He added.
The highlight of the ceremony was the signing of the MoU of the Okomu Contract.
Present at the ceremony were the outgoing Forestry Commission Chairman, Mr. Edward Obiaw, IDH Country Director, Prof. Eniola Fabusoro,
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Peter Osagie, the present Forestry Commission Chairman, Prof. Godwin Omokhua, Edo State Consultant on Forestry Commission, Mr. Lucky Wasa, among others.
