American markets jostle for Anambra vegetables – Obiano

*Export to commence soon, says Obiano

Arrangements have now been concluded for the exportation of vegetables from Anambra state to the United States of America (USA) very soon.

The hint was dropped by Gov Willie Obiano when he received the Executive Members of the National Council for Women Societies who paid him a courtesy visit in Awka at the weekend.

Gov Obiano revealed that the freight operators responsible for the conveyance of the agriculture produce to the United Kingdom, had recently secured the license to take same into the USA.

That, according to him, is because of the high grade and quality of the vegetables and the sanitary situation of the farms where they were being harvested.

According to the press statement from Kingsley Ezekwelu, the governor had noted that this was achieved through his administration’s deliberate efforts.

He claimed to have efforts to put the necessary measures in place to ensure traceability of the farmers/products, provision of improved seedlings to the farmers.

He also ensured adequate trainings for them in collaboration with a European Union team on how to meet export standards. 

The Governor said the development remains a milestone for the state considering the current naira to dollar exchange rate,

He explained that it was also a sure way of coming out of the recession which the country has been plunged into. 

He emphasized that issues bordering on the welfare of women have been a priority of his administration.

He claimed that numerous measures have been put in place to ensure effective women participation in governance and government’s empowerment programmes. 

These measures he noted included ensuring that 60 percent of the total N1.5 billion the state government distributed through Anambra Small Business Agency (ASBA) to Small and Medium Enterprises goes to women.

He also pledged to support women to play a key role in the state’s now famous agriculture export businesses.

The governor affirmed that he would continue to provide necessary assistance to the Caring Family Enhancement Initiative, CAFEI program of his wife, Chief Mrs Ebelechukwu.

This is to guarantee greater impact especially on the lives of rural and vulnerable women in the State. 

Earlier, the National President of the Council, Chief Gloria Laraba-shoda revealed that the council is at the vanguard of promoting gender-friendly policies and effective women inclusion in policy making positions in the country.

He explained that the visit was to seek increased partnership with the state government towards improving the lives of women, girls and vulnerable children in the Anambra state.

She applauded the state government’s efforts with the four key development pillars especially Agriculture, its recent economic stimulus package as well as the CAFEI Initiative of the governor’s wife.

He added that the cumulative effect of the well-articulated programmes of the Obiano administration will have far reaching positive implications on the economy and lives of citizens of the state. 

From Chuks Collins, Awka

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