By Omos Oyibode, Asaba
National Coordinator of the Agro-Allied Cooperative Society, Prof. Victoria Adesuyi Aladejobi, weekend, said that agro allied industries are capable of employing over two million women and youths yearly if properly funded by the federal and state government and managed by the individuals entrusted with the funds.
Prof. Aladejobi, who said agro allied industries encompass production, processing and marketing agricultural produce, also said Nigeria could achieve food security and grow the nation’s economy as agriculture was the main economic base of developing nations.
Aladejobi was speaking during the inauguration of the Delta State Chapter of Agro Allied Cooperative Society at the Delta State Event and Convention Centre, Asaba, the Delta State capital.
She encouraged the Delta members of the agro allied cooperative to remain resolute in their determination to make needed breakthrough in their endeavours, noting that the federal government through the Central Bank of Nigeria was set to release funds for all agro allied cooperatives in the country to boost agricultural production.
Delta State Coordinator of the scheme, Mrs. Lucy Ikediashi, told the participants that the society was aimed at accessing the soft loan the federal government had made available to farmers as part of needed incentives to grow their business and make success in their farming activities.
She said the society was in partnership with the federal and state governments and banks to ensure that famers benefit from the agricultural financing scheme as part of government efforts at diversifying the economy and drive food security for Nigerians.
She acknowledged the role and impact of agro allied business in Nigeria, just as she said agriculture was part of the new administration’s drive in employment generation, food security and poverty reduction as well as drive the inclusive growth in the nation’s economy.
She called on members of the society to continue interacting with relevant stakeholders so as to unlock the abundant resources and agricultural opportunities in the state.
