By Emmanuel Oluwakorede, Lokoja
Kogi State Government has signed an Agreement with a Consultant, Agro Trading Consult Limited to boost cashew Production in the State.
This comes after Vietnam Cashew Association (VINACAS) Golden Cashew Rendezvous 2025 in Hanoi recognised cashew produced in Kogi State as a global brand, and the State remains Nigeria’s leading cashew-producing state, producing over 120,000 metric tonnes annually.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo in a message to the signing of the Agreement said the move taken by his administration will create employment for youths and boost the State internally generated revenue.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of Kogi State, Mrs. Folashade Ayoade, the Governor noted that his administration is aware of the potentials of Cashew in the State, hence the engagement of a Technical Consultant that will help harness them for wealth creation.
According to him, Government is serious about the implementation of the agreement, urging the Consultant to hit the ground running with immediate effect.
The Governor stated that the State is strategically located with 39 Mineral resources, saying if well utilised, the State has no business with poverty.
Governor Ododo added that henceforth, anyone interested in Kogi Cashew will invest in Processing the commodity in the State.
Earlier, the Director General of Kogi State Commodity Exchange Export Promotion and Marketing Development Agency (KOCEPA), Chief Victor Adewale Omofaiye said the State contribute about fifty percent of Cashew in the country.
Chief Omofaiye explained that many investors have indicated interest in investing in Cashew Business in the State, pointing out that two have concluded plans to establish a cashew processing factory in the State.
He stated that as from next year, the State Government will implement new policies on Cashew Business regulation especially production of Jute bags.
If Kogi has factories for processing all these agricultural produce, it will create thousands of employments, Chief Omofaiye explained
“We are not only focusing on Cashew, We are also looking into other Commodities that God has blessed the State with such as cassava, rice, sorghum that are produced in large quantity.
He expressed optimism that with the political will currently being demonstrated by Governor Ododo, the State will take its rightful place both within and outside the country.
The Managing Director of Agro Trading Consult Limited, Dr. Jude Osilama described the agreement as a new dawn as it will improve productivity and Business transaction of Cashew.
Dr. Osilama stated that with the introduction of Kogi State customised jute bags, Cashew produced from the State will now have international recognition, noting that it will also help to ascertain the quality of Cashew produced in the State.
He maintained that part of the agreement is to end the exploitation of foreign Cashew merchants as they must work with accredited local agents.
He added that the State Government is also planning to plant 15 millions Cashew trees as from next year to boost the quantity of the commodity in the State.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings