Tunji Adedeji
The National Palm Produce Association of Nigeria (NPPAN) has successfully held its National Executive Council meeting, Saturday in Owerri , capital of Imo State.
The NEC, drew attendance from members of the National Executive, States Chapter Chairmen, Secretaries, Elders and members of the Board of Trustees, as several other issues, bothering on innovative measures aimed at taking the association to greater heights were discussed.
Fielding questions from newsmen shortly after the meeting, the National President of National Palm Produce Association of Nigeria Comrade Alphonsus Inyang expressed NPPAN preparedness to synergize with the state government toward ensuring that Imo State develops its production and processing capacity to compete favorably.
The National President said, “We have the technical ability, experience and membership to assist Imo state reactivate Ada Palm .Imo State Government should work with us because we are partnering with CBN to access the Oil Palm Development Initiative Fund.”
“We have lots of access to lots of funding that could lead to a huge boast in developing small holders farmers and strengthens processing activities of oil palm business.”
“It will also help to insulate our economy from volatility associated with changes in crude oil price,” he said.
Also speaking, Mrs .Adaugo Obi, National Financial Secretary of NPPAN said everybody talks about crude oil but fails to understand that no crude oil well has last over 40 years but palm tree can last over 70years.
She said Nigerians are complaining of youth unemployment and restiveness when we have an industry that can engage practically everybody if it is well developed.
I am of the opinion that our youth should stop looking for white collar job because government cannot employ everybody. I also want to encourage the federal government, all the States state government and everybody to key into palm oil business because you do not need a degree to plant or mail palm, she said.
In their separate remarks, Mr Babatola Kayode, National Secretary of NPPAN and Dr Onubogu Linda Obiageri, Abia State chairman of NPPAN enjoined Fg and states to invest in palm oil business to reduce youth restiveness.
The soil, climate and population are in our favour that once we plant it germinate, they said.
