Ondo, Malaysia In Joint Rice Production

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has assured that his administration will continue to create more enabling environment for industries and investors to thrive without hiccups.

Governor Akeredolu gave the assurance on Tuesday during the exchange of Memorandum of Agreement between the Ondo State Government and the La-RUTA Malaysia in Akure.

The event was also attended virtually by the High Commissioner of Malaysia to Nigeria, Her Excellency, Mdm Gloria Corina Peter Tiwet; High Commissioner of Nigeria to Malaysia, Hajara Salim Ibrahim.

Also present at the Governor’s office in Akure were: President, Nigeria Malaysia Business Council; CEO, Laruta, Madam Shirley Ther; and the Director, Investment Promotion, NIPC, Mr Emmanuel Adeshina.

The Governor described the exchange of the MOA as the beginning of a sustainable partnership and collaboration, adding that the State has provided an enabling environment with continuous government supports.

“It should be recalled that over two years ago, I traveled with a team from the State to Malaysia to explore the possibility of a mutually beneficial partnership in Agro-business because we were of the view that Malaysia enjoys   comparative advantage over us in this area.

“Officials of Ondo State Government have met on several occasions both physically and virtually with Malaysia institutions and investors.

“Today’s signing of the Memorandum of Agreement, I believe is the beginning of a sustainable partnership and collaboration.

“I was reliably informed that your advance team was on the project site last Saturday.  Let me assure you that you are in the right State as the enabling environment has been provided and you will continue to enjoy the support of the government.”

Governor Akeredolu, while identifying rice as the stable food for most Nigerians, stressed that rice consumption is increasing daily in the country.

“I recall that when we were just a country of about 40 million people, rice was only eaten during special occasions and ceremonies, but with time, rice has become a major food in almost every home.

“With a population of over 200 million, therefore, you can imagine what the market and potential of rice value-chain has become in Nigeria and will continue to be.

“No doubt, there has been a significant rise in rice production in Nigeria and it got to the highest level so far in year 2020 with about 5.06 million tons per annum.”

The Governor maintained that farmers in the state are already producing paddy rice, assuring that La-RUTA will have reasonable supply of paddy rice from the local rice farmers across the State, for processing, while they embark on their own cultivation for enhanced capacity utilisation to be achieved.

“It is apposite to inform you that we are not looking at Ogbese/Uso axis alone.  In the Southern Senatorial District of the State, there is a large expanse of land suitable for rice cultivation in Irele Local Government.

“The place will be made available for your use too, for expansion.  You can cultivate directly and have out growers too.

“Let me assure you that our people are friendly and reliable and we will continue to support you.”

Malaysia’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Gloria Corina Peter Tiwet expressed confidence that Ondo State will soon begin to export rice, adding that the efforts of Governor Akeredolu is commendable.

The Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, Salim Ibrahim said Governor Akeredolu has brought an interesting development to the sunshine state, saying “We are proud of you. You have opened up Ondo State for something big and very interesting. We are very proud of you.”