Ogun State Government is committed to working closely with Nigerian Export Promotion Council ( NEPC) and other stakeholders to create a conducive environment for the cashew industry to thrive.

The State Head of Service, Mr Kehinde Onasanya made this known while delivering a keynote address at a one -day intervention programme and distribution of cashew seedlings for cashew farmers in the State by NEPC in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment held at the Obas' complex, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta.

Mr Onasanya said that the programme is pivotal for the State because of its comparative advantage in production of cashew and it's geared towards strengthening the implementation of the One State One Product (OSOP) initiative of the federal government under the State Committee on Export Promotion (SCEP).

"Cashew has long been a crop of economic importance in Ogun State as it holds the potential to significantly contribute to the state's revenue, create jobs and promote sustainable development in our rural communities" Onasanya said.

The Head of Service said that the intervention programme is therefore an excellent opportunity to address the pressing issues such as capacity building and training, enhance infrastructure and technology, Market access and information for the cashew farmers to foster business friendly environment.

 He therefore urged the stakeholders to remain committed and collaborative while leveraging on the intervention programme to lay a solid foundation for a vibrant and sustainable cashew industry that would  not only benefit the farmers and exporters but also contribute to the broader economic development of the state and Nigeria as a whole.

There are torrents of goodwill messages from the dignitaries at the event, the host commissioner, Mr Adebola Sofela noted that cashew production is a cornerstone of the state agricultural landscape and a vital contributor to the economic well being, adding that it represents a pathway to prosperity, a source of employment and a means of sustaining their families.

 NEPC Executive director and Chief executive officer, Mrs Nonye Ayeni represented by NEPC director of product development, Mrs Evelyn Obidike said that the council is not resting on her oars as she is poised to move cashew production to an enviable height with the One State One Product initiative in the States.

In his own good will message, the Akarigbo of Remo land, HRM Babatunde Ajayj represented by Elemunren of Emuren HRH, Adesegun Alowole  eulogized the state government for the synergy with NEPC to increase cashew production in the state and solicited for more interventions to support the farmers in all local government areas of the state.

Earlier in her welcome address, the state coordinator NEPC, Mrs. Francisca Odega said the event signified the work the talk principle of the council as the intervention is meant to equip the farmers with improved and specialized cashew  breed that the product would be suitable for export adding that cashew is an wholesome product in the State .

Seedlings were later distributed to the farmers.