By Okundia Osaigbovo Frank
The Edo State Government is making substantial strides towards propelling its agro-sector economy to new heights, focusing on heightened productivity and sustainable practices. This commitment has garnered the attention and support of vital development partners, all aligned with the state’s core objective of cultivating the sector’s growth while ensuring its enduring viability on the global stage.
During a recent high-level meeting held on Wednesday, key representatives from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), British High Commission Abuja, and Propcom+ gathered to deliberate on Edo State’s visionary agenda. Mr Kelvin Uwaibi, the Managing Director of Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO), unveiled the state’s strategic partnership with international development allies. This strategic alliance aims to beckon investments, particularly in the flourishing oil palm value chain and other vital commodities, ultimately diversifying the state’s revenue streams.
Leading the FCDO delegation was Ms Martine Sobey, the Climate Change and Nature Team Leader at the British High Commission in Abuja. Sobey elucidated the delegation’s purpose in visiting Edo State, highlighting their objective to bolster the agro-economy and value chain for enhanced productivity and climate resilience through sustainable forest management. This multifaceted approach underscores FCDO’s broader engagement across Nigeria.
Uwaibi underlined the state’s multifaceted approach to the sector, spotlighting oil palm as a linchpin. However, Edo State recognizes the strategic imperative of diversification, incorporating additional commodities like Cocoa, Rubber, and Cassava. Other crop products like maize and rice are also being considered by the government in a move geared towards empowering smallholder farmers, facilitating quicker returns on their investments while prioritizing sustainability over mere business profitability.
Responding to inquiries regarding investor reception to The Round Table on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) stipulations for oil palm ventures and the related challenges, Uwaibi expressed optimism about burgeoning support from partners.
He highlighted the potential of a dynamic partnership with Propcom+ aimed at improving robust aftercare services to nurture investors post-engagement. Uwaibi underscored the pivotal role of a comprehensive corporate social responsibility guideline, envisioning Edo State as a pioneering model for sustainable business practices.
Mr Churchill Oboh, Team Lead Edo State Oil Palm Programme (ESOPP), elaborated on the collaborative efforts between investors and ESOPP to inculcate optimal practices for sustainable oil palm cultivation. Notably, ongoing training initiatives empower smallholder farmers with the knowledge and skills requisite for sustainable oil palm cultivation. Oboh also underscored the broader purview of the Africa Sustainable Commodities Initiative (ASCI) in encouraging sustainable production across various commodities, with oil palm’s prominence standing out prominently in Edo State’s agricultural landscape.
Central to the discussion of sustainable production in the agro sector are Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), particularly smallholder farmers. The government’s recent endorsement of a 2000-hectare pilot smallholder scheme for RSPO compliance reflects the administration’s unwavering commitment to fostering sustainable practices. This initiative extends beyond oil palm to encompass other commodities, aligning with ASCI’s principles and amplifying its impact.
The FCDO delegation comprised distinguished members including Adesuwa Obasuyi, Climate Change Policy Manager at the British High Commission, Abuja; Nicholas Barnum, Food Agriculture and Climate Advisor at Propcom+; Hadiya Ude, Political Director and Conflict Representative at Propcom+; Yinka Abimbola, Technical Workstream Lead; and Dr. Olachi Chucks-Ronnie, the Regional Coordinator for Southern Nigeria at the Foreign Commonwealth Development Office, Enugu. The gathering signals a robust collaboration, embodying the collective commitment towards Edo State’s agro sector transformation.
