Ondo State Government has restated its support for indigenous investors in its agribusiness sector, in order to secure its position as a leading producer of oil palm in Nigeria.
The Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu stated this while signing a memorandum of understanding on behalf of the Ondo State government and Abbis Farms Nigeria Limited on the establishment and cultivation of 961 hectares of farmland for oil palm plantation in Ala Forest reserve, Ondo State.
Odu observed that the agreement was in line with the first Agenda of the Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
Princess Odu commended the strategic move of Abbis Farms to invest in the development of oil palm plantation in the State, which will in turn serve as a dual benefit for food security and employment opportunity for all.
“With the increasing demand for oil palm in various industries such as food, cosmetics and biofuel, Ondo State government is glad to partner with reputable investors in large scale farming to ensure continued production of reliable and high-quality supply of the product”.
Charging the investor, Princess Odu harped on the importance of professionalism in the delivery of the project in order to meet the growing demands for the supply of oil palm in the state.
She emphasized that the implementation of best practices to minimise deforestation must strictly be adhered to.
Earlier in his remarks, Chairman Abbis Farms Nigeria Limited, Chief Abiodun Adejo, said the company has a longterm vision of sustainable agriculture and has carefully selected the region to maximize productivity.
The Chairman assured commitment to conserving the environment in the facilitatation of oil palm propagation and promised dedication to remain a key contributor to the Red Gold agenda of the state.