Niger State Government has reiterated its continued commitment to focus on some key initiatives towards deriving a sustainable growth of the Shea sector in the State.
This was revealed by the State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello at the closing ceremony of the UN-Women Nigeria Project on Women’s Economic Empowerment through Climate Smart Agriculture and Commissioning of the Kodo Shea Butter Processing Centre held at Kodo, Bosso Local Government Area of the State.
The Governor who spoke through the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Ahmed Ibrahim Matane further disclosed the key initiatives to include the development of a robust Niger State Shea Sector development policy and a 5-year implementation plan supported by GIZ, the establishment of new Shea parklands, upgrades of existing Shea butter processing centres and establishment and provision of additional facilities among others.
Governor Bello stressed that Government has identified the Shea sector as a viable engine for economic growth and as such is committed to developing the sector as well as ensuring that maximum value is achieved from the Shea resources for the benefit of the people.
He pointed out that this can only be achieved through deepening collaborations and partnerships with key stakeholders in the Shea value chain.
According to the Governor, “while we are already witnessing thriving Shea business and byproducts in the State, we also need to work towards improving the quality of our Shea products to meet international standard and enable us to get a competitive value for the products emanating from the State”.
Alhaji Sani Bello expressed optimism that with the ongoing interventions and collaborations with public and private sectors, the State was on the verge of putting Nigeria in an enviable position in the world Shea market while urging all stakeholders to as matter of urgency protect and safeguard our reserves of the Shea trees in the communities.
He stated that the partnership between UN-Women and Stanbic IBTC in supporting the Shea sector in the State through the women cooperatives and entrepreneurs using Climate Smart Agriculture Programme has yielded positive results.
The Governor also congratulated the beneficiaries of the programme, the Shea entrepreneurs, the Shea cooperatives, the Shea extension agents and other stakeholders for being part of the growth initiative for the Shea sector in the State.
Goodwill messages were delivered from various stakeholders as well as cultural and drama performances from different groups.
