REPORTER: PEACE AGBO
The Nigerian Agribusiness, Agro-industrial Development Initiative , NAADI says it is committed to ensuring full participation of Abia state in Agribusiness domestic and international markets.
The Leader of the NAADI Delegation, Mr Charles Felix who stated this when he paid a visit to Governor Alex Otti of the state in his Nvosi country home said NAADI is a federal government initiative that is anchored by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.
Mr Felix further noted that NAADI initiative was in line with the Nigerian Industrial Revolution Plan and focused on accelerating economic diversification, employment generation, food security and wealth creation.
According to him, NAADI targets key agro-commodities such as palm produce, cassava, cocoa and coffee and noted that the initiative would train stakeholders on best practices in planting, harvesting, storage, packaging and labelling to improve product quality and competitiveness as well as addressing export rejection of agricultural products.
Responding, Governor Alex Otti said that the initiative aligned with his administration’s vision of industrialising agriculture through value addition and processing.
Governor Otti explained that Abia had enormous potential in palm produce, cassava, leather works, fabrics, cocoa, rubber and cashew but needed stronger processing systems to maximise economic benefits.
The governor assured the delegation of the state government’s willingness to collaborate with NAADI to strengthen agribusiness and industrial development as well as create more jobs in the state.
