FIC Reports (Edo State) – The Edo state government and PRESCO PLC are to collaborate in the development of high yielding oil palm seedlings, as part of the Edo State Oil Palm Programme (ESOPP).
This was disclosed by the state Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki when he received the Chairman, Board of Directors of PRESCO PLC, Mr. Pierre Vandebeeck in the state government house Benin city.
The governor submitted that the development of the high yielding oil palm seedlings was necessary to make the business more profitable for farmers.
Mr. Obaseki also said discussions were ongoing with PRESCO PLC in the area of supporting the state in the implementation of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Oil Palm initiative and expansion of the company to other locations in Edo state.
In his response, Mr Pierre Vandebeeck said his company has a technology of multiplying seeds, called IN-VITRO culture which it intends to establish in Nigeria. He said that State Government has shown willingness to collaborate on the development of the technology in the country.
Mr. Vandebeeck added that another reason for his visit to the Governor was to request for more land to expand his company’s oil palm plantation.The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele at the launch of the ESOPP, committed the sum of N69Billion as part of efforts to revive the country’s oil palm industry.
Besiru Enakhimion.
F.I.C Benin
