Gov Alex Otti of Abia State has advocated increased production of cashew as a means of foreign exchange earner to boost the economy of Nigeria.
He said cashew, and they Agricultural sector generally potentially holds the magic wand that will transform the economy of Nigeria and sub saharan Africa.
Dr Otti who spoke in Enugu at the 2024 National Cashew Day/Conference, insisted that agriculture, which cashew is an integral part, is one of the essential lubricants in the engine that will propel Nigeria into the much-anticipated economic growth and development .
The Governor who was represented by his Special Adviser on Agriculture, Dr Cliff Agbaeze, lauded the concept behind the cashew Conference, noting that it was necessary to awaken the consciousness of government to the critical role cashew that can play in the economy.
He was impressed by the theme of the conference, ‘Transforming Nigeria Cashew Industry Through Technology, Innovation and Inclusive Policies, saying that such efforts were needed to reinvigorate the once lucrative cashew industry.’
The Abia helmsman challenged stakeholders at the event to generate new ideas, innovations and strategies to address the challenges of the cashew industry with a view to recovering its past glory and engender economic growth and development in Nigeria.
Dr Otti averred that innovative and technology driven cashew industry can also provide a valuable platform for expansion outside domestic borders, and entering intra-regional and international markets
The Governor lauded his Enugu State counterpart, Dr Peter Mbah for hosting the conference and the national president of National Cashew Association of Nigeria, Prince Dr Ojo Joseph Ajanaku for choosing to host the event in the southeast.
He urged the participants to take advantage of the conference to maximise the opportunities presented, saying that Abia State was ready for businesses as it has an expansive market for quicker, bigger and sustainable returns on investment. Dr Alex Otti announced that his pledge to Abia people for sustainable economic growth remains irrevocable.
He disclosed that he was working round the clock to put Abia in its pride of place in the world economy as the economic pride of Nigeria.