The Oyo State Government has launched export-ready, value-added food products aimed at boosting agro-industrialisation and expanding the state’s footprint in regional and continental trade.
The products include processed yam, cassava and plantain flour packaged ready for export and local consumption.
They were unveiled by the Agricultural Exporting Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative Society, held at the Conference Room, Ministry of Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives, Secretariat Agodi, Ibadan.
The government also inaugurated a new board of directors for the Association of Nigeria Cooperative Exporters (ANCE) Limited as part of its ongoing cooperative reforms.
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Adeniyi Adebisi, Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives, speaking at the event, hinted that the ministry will soon establish a Directorate of Quality Control to ensure standardisation of export products.
Adebisi, who spoke through Mamud Okesade, permanent secretary of the Ministry, said that the need to reform cooperative structures to meet present-day realities and investor expectations cannot be overemphasised.
Adebisi urged the new board to embrace transparency and unity with a view to unlocking opportunities in the global export space.
He assured the new board of continued government support in achieving their performance milestones.
Representatives from key agencies including the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), and the Bank of Agriculture, commended members of the association for the structure put in place and compliance to the regulations guiding their operations nationwide.
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They pledged to support the association through funding, technical guidance, and a trade facilitation programme.
Kola Olomoyoyo, newly elected ANCE president, promised to build on the achievements of his predecessor, under whom the cooperative stabilised its cocoa and palm kernel export base and diversified into livestock feed and bottled water production.
The highlights of the events include the unveiling of a strategic plan to modernise operations, expand value chains, and attract local and foreign investment.
