Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has said that the increase in the production of cashews will greatly benefit the economy, News About Nigeria reports.
He disclosed this while speaking at the 2024 National Cashew Day/Conference in Enugu, with the theme, ‘Transforming Nigeria Cashew Industry Through Technology, Innovation and Inclusive Policies’.
The governor, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze, noted that producing more cashews can serve as a means of foreign exchange earnings, which will boost the economy of the country.
He maintained that the production of cashews and agriculture in general potentially holds the magic wand that will transform the economies of Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa.
Otti further commended the governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, for the initiative of organising the cashew conference, stating that it was a necessary step that will help to awaken the consciousness of the government to the critical role cashew can play in the economy.
He further noted that such efforts were needed to reinvigorate the once-lucrative cashew industry and make it even better than it was.
According to him, cashew production is one of the essential lubricants in the engine that will propel Nigeria into the much-anticipated economic growth and development.
“Innovative and technology-driven cashew industry can also provide a valuable platform for expansion outside domestic borders, and entering intra-regional and international markets,” he said.
He therefore urged stakeholders to develop innovative ideas and strategies that will accelerate the production of cashew in the country and in turn, boost the Nigerian economy.
