The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, has urged the Belgian government to invest in the fertile lands of Ibadan for agricultural production.
This appeal was made during a visit by the Belgian Ambassador to Nigeria, Pieter Leenknegt, at the new ultramodern Olubadan Palace in Oke Aremo, Ibadan, Oyo State, on Monday.
Speaking through the Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, Tajudeen Ajibola, the Olubadan highlighted the vast hectares of arable land available in Ibadan, emphasizing the need for international partnerships to support and finance large-scale agricultural production.
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He specifically mentioned areas like Egbeda, Ona Ara, Oluyole, Ido, Lagelu, and Akinyele Local Government Areas as prime locations for agricultural development, which could significantly boost food production in Nigeria.
The monarch expressed his pleasure at the visit and pointed out that Ibadan, being one of the largest cities in Africa, holds significant potential for agricultural endeavors.
He invited the Belgian government to take advantage of this opportunity to enhance food security and agricultural productivity in the region.
In response, Ambassador Leenknegt, accompanied by Economic Diplomacy Advisor Genco Sanli and IITA’s Resource Mobilisation Manager Florence Oke, outlined the Belgian government’s involvement in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
He mentioned their focus on boosting cocoa production, aligning with the Nigerian government’s current agenda.
The Ambassador noted that his visit to Ibadan was to gain insights from the Olubadan and his council, which would aid him in making meaningful contributions to Nigeria’s agricultural development during his tenure.
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