Gov. Alex Otti of Abia State has urged for expanded cashew production as a method of earning foreign dollars to strengthen Nigeria’s economy.
According to him, cashews and agriculture in general “potentially hold the magic wand that will transform the economy of Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa.”
The Governor, who spoke in Enugu at the 2024 National Cashew Day/Conference, stressed that agriculture, of which cashew is an important component, “is one of the essential lubricants in the engine that will propel Nigeria into the much anticipated economic growth and development.”
Otti, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Agriculture, Dr Cliff Agbaeze, praised the concept of the cashew Conference, stating that it was vital to raise government awareness of the critical role cashew may play in the economy.
He expressed delight with the conference’s topic, “Transforming Nigeria’s Cashew Industry Through Technology, Innovation, and Inclusive Policies,” stating that such efforts were required to revitalise the once-profitable cashew business.
Otti asked attendees at the event to come up with new ideas, inventions, and strategies to overcome the difficulties facing the cashew business in order to restore its former glory and promote economic growth and development in Nigeria.
cc: Vanguard Ng
