Business minded Nigerians embraces a great welcoming of Mr President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria to Germany to honour the Business summit in Berlin.
Ambassador Agim Godwin Apple is the CEO of AFDEVCO NIGERIA LIMITED an Agro-Forest Company focused on Hybrid technologies in Agriculture and Apicultural development in Africa.
Poverty alleviation through palm oil activities is indeed a promising target for Nigeria as a nation, Ambassador Engr. Agim Godwin Apple, wrote with the emphasis to some land-lots in Cross River State and the Ebonyi State of Nigeria. Palm oil is an important commodity for the country, and developing this sector can have significant economic and social benefits for Nigeria.
While calling on investors and economic architects, progressive Cooperative organisations and small scale farmers to consider oil palms estates establishment, few things we must consider are:
Job Creation: Establishment and expanding the palm oil industry in Nigeria can create numerous job opportunities, particularly in rural areas where poverty rates are typically higher.
The cultivation, harvesting, processing, and distribution of palm oil require a substantial workforce, providing employment for many Nigerians.
Income Generation: By engaging in palm oil activities, smallholder farmers and rural communities can generate income and improve their standard of living. Palm oil cultivation and processing offer opportunities for entrepreneurship and income diversification, potentially reducing dependency on volatile sectors and enhancing overall financial stability.
Rural Development: Developing the palm oil industry can stimulate rural development by improving infrastructure, providing access to markets, and boosting overall economic activity. This, in turn, can help reduce poverty rates and foster sustainable development in rural areas, mostly in areas with fertile geographical locations as Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ebonyi State and so on, within Nigeria.
Export Potential: Nigeria has the potential to become a major player in palm oil exports, given its favorable climate and geographical location. Expanding the palm oil sector can contribute to export revenue, strengthening the country’s economy and providing funds for poverty reduction initiatives.
Value Addition: Developing downstream palm oil industries, such as refining, processing, and manufacturing, can add value to the commodity and create additional employment opportunities. By moving up the value chain, Nigeria can capture more economic benefits and increase its competitiveness in the global market.
Sustainability Focus: It is crucial to ensure that palm oil activities in Nigeria are carried out sustainably, considering environmental and social factors.
Adopting responsible cultivation practices, promoting smallholder inclusion, and protecting biodiversity can help mitigate negative impacts and ensure long-term benefits for both people and the environment.
Ambassador Godwin Apple, concluded that, focusing on poverty alleviation through palm oil activities aligns with Nigeria’s goals for economic growth, employment creation, and sustainable development.
This will requires a comprehensive approach involving government support, private sector investment, and stakeholder collaboration to realize the full potential of the palm oil sector while addressing poverty challenges.
Copyright ©️ Ambassador Engr. Agim Godwin Apple, www.afdevco.org Afdevco Nigeria Limited.