The Permanent Secretary FederalMinistry of Industry, Trade and Investment Dr. Nasir-Sani Gwarzo mni NPOM, statedthat cashew production would accelerate economy growth and development of thecountry, adding that Cashew is one of such commodities that can createthousands of jobs, generate foreign exchange earnings for the country, supportindustrial development, food security and export promotion.
Dr. Gwarzo disclosed this during thehanding over Ceremony of the Executive Officers of the National CashewAssociation of Nigeria (NCAN) in his Office in Abuja. “for us to get all the benefits thesector offers, we will continue to articulate a common strategy needed toassist us effectively to harness the inherent potentials in the Cashew CommodityValue Chain” he said.
He further stressed that over the years, Cashew Value Chain actors have remained focused and resilient in theface of inundated challenges which characterized the global trade sector, oneof which is the COVID-19 Pandemic that has greatly hampered global trade. “Icommend you and your firm resolute to push on in the face of global trade,reiterating that the government will not leave you alone but will ensure necessarysupport is provided for sustained cashew trade “.
Dr. Gwarzo urged the new executivesto consult widely and dialogue with members on issues that affect theassociation, ensuring them that the views of all stakeholders and actors areconsidered and judged by their merits in taking decisions that affect theAssociation.
He further implored the Associationto work closely with the Ministry and other relevant Ministerial Departmentsand Agencies (MDAs), so as to develop initiatives, programmes and projectstargeted to the development of robust cashew value chain in the country, addingthat “I have no doubt in your capabilities and I am optimistic that you willtake the Association to a height higher than you met it “.
The outgoing President of theAssociation, Mr. Tola Fasheru in his speech assured the incoming Executives ofhis unalloyed support and co-operation in order to move the Associationsforward. “Be rest assured everybody is with you” Fasheru added.
In his response, the New President ofthe Association, Hon. Ajanaku Ojo stated that the cardinal objective of hisadministration is value addition in the cashew value chain.
Hon. Ojo disclosed that hisadministration would leverage on the gains of the last executives in moving theassociation forward.
He solicited the cooperation andsupport of all members of the Associations to improve the growth anddevelopment of cashew farming and processing in the Country.
He assured the Ministry that thedevelopment of the cashew value chain would create more jobs for the unemployed youthand serve as revenue generation to the government for economic growth andsustainable development.
Ahmed LawanDanbazau
ACIO
For: Head, Press and PRU
