The French Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Jerome Pasquier has extoled Ogun State Government’s public private partnership initiative geared towards industrialisation, job creation and economic development.
Mr Pasquier praised Ogun state during his inspection tour to Fan Milk Dairy Farm, located at Odeda Farm Institute, Eweje-owned by the State Government and aquaculture hub owned by Obasanjo Farm, Owiwi.
The Diplomat appreciated the State Government for partnering with Fan Milk and making the project a reality.
He also praised the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development as well as Central Bank of Nigeria for their support as he expressed delight with the progress made so far on the project particularly in the production of more milk in Nigeria thereby reducing the importation of goods, training farmers and creation of more jobs, especially in agriculture.
“This is a very interesting project which has large economic value. It is also aimed at producing more milk and create more jobs. This project addresses major economic challenges in Nigeria. I am happy about the support of State Government, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Central Bank of Nigeria”, he stated.
The State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Adeola Odedina said various industrialisation strides of the present administration have begun to attract global attention, hence siting of the Dairy Farm by Fan Milk Plc, at the State-owned Farm Institute.
Dr. Odedina said further that the aim of the visit was to acquaint the French Embassy with the recent agricultural opportunities in Ogun State, disclosing that Obasanjo aquaculture hub was commissioned by the State Governor, Dapo Abiodun in 2020 while the Memorandum of understanding between the State and Fan Milk Plc was signed early this year.
“This is a state-of -the-art dairy firm, a public private partnership going on in Ogun State. We are investment ready and this is going to have an impact in job creation, food and as well as industrialisation. It is also telling the whole world that we are working our talk in partnership with the private sector and international development organisations, he said.
The Project Manager, Fan Milk Plc, Mr. Onyena Livinus described the Dairy Farm project as one that would benefit the Fan Milk, the society at large and Nigeria as a whole as it would empower more youths and address economic needs of the nation.
TO BOOST INCOME OF COCOA FARMERS
In a related development, the Ogun State Government has donated 10,000 improved cocoa seedlings to Tulip Cocoa Processing Limited, for onward distribution to farmers in a bid to boost their income.
Handing over the seedlings in Itele, Ijebu-East Local Government Area, the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Adeola Odedina describes the initiative as a sign of government’s commitment to woo more private organisations to participate in agricultural interventions for improved economy of the State and livelihood of farmers.
Represented by the Director, Tree Crops and Rural Development, James Oyesola, Dr Odedina pointed out that the improved cocoa seedlings would start yielding in two years, and would in-turn make Ogun state the largest cocoa producer in Nigeria as well as create more jobs, ensure food security and economic empowerment.
“This is a community-driven project and the fourth location to give free improved seedlings to farmers as mandated by the State Governor, Dapo Abiodun. Due diligence will be followed to ensure we get results. So, I urge our state farmers to make judicious use of the farming inputs and nurture them well, as well as utilise the skills of extension officers provided by state government, to boost their income and quality of input to meet world standard”, Dr Odedina said.
The Managing Director, Tulip Cocoa Processing Limited, Johan Van Der Merwe, expressed delight at the proactive of the state government in responding to the request for free cocoa seedlings, for the farmers from whom the company off-take cocoa produce.
Mr. Van Der Merwe expressed optimism that the initiative would impact positively on the farmers, as the new cocoa breeds would replenish the old-dying trees and increase production at the maturation stage.
The President of Agbegbemi Cocoa Farmers Production and Marketing Cooperative Union, Rasheed Adegoke applauded the State government for the gesture.
Dominica Nwabufo
