Ogun State Government has expressed its readiness to allocate land to genuine investors interested in the cultivation, processing and marketing of rubber to boost the commodity’s value- chain in the state.
The Rubber Producers had solicited for the support of the State Government to provide 10,000 hectares of land which would be used for the establishment of the Prince Dapo Abiodun Breeder Rubber Estate, aimed at creating additional 20,000 jobs and raising the revenue profile of the state.
The State Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Kikelomo Longe gave the assurance while granting the request of members of the State branch of the National Rubber Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NARPPMAN), who paid a courtesy visit to her Office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
Longe assured that the present administration was willing to revive the ailing rubber sector, as products made from rubber are considered more environmentally friendly than plastics.
Her words “I am excited at the prospects that rubber has to offer us in Ogun State. Governor Dapo Abiodun has indicated that rubber is a cash crop that has the potential to be a game-changer for us in Ogun State. But then, daily we get requests from investors looking for land to cite their business in the State, so your proposal must be convincing. In partnering with NARPPMAN, we must be sure the interest of the State is well protected”.
The Commissioner tasked the group to do a compelling proposal, promising that the Association’s land request which would be considered by the government may be awarded in phases.
Longe advised the body to also consider adopting co-cropping, so as to ensure they make profit during the rubber gestation period.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Olu. Ola. Aikulola lauded the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment for the establishment of NARPPMAN.
The State Chairman of NARPPMAN, Mr. Oladele MacDaniel had earlier said that the decision of the Federal Government to intervene in the sector has brought about a revival in the sector.
Rubber cultivation.according to MacDaniel , is currently generating more foreign exchange than many agricultural commodities in the international market.
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