An over view of Ogbeh’s recent promises

On Sunday, June 17, the minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh was the special focus of the Leadership Clinic for Nigerian youth organized by GOTNI in Abuja. The programme was designed to bring experienced leaders to speak to the youths who are described as leaders of tomorrow how to become successful leaders. […]

On Sunday, June 17, the minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh was the special focus of the Leadership Clinic for Nigerian youth organized by GOTNI in Abuja.

The programme was designed to bring experienced leaders to speak to the youths who are described as leaders of tomorrow how to become successful leaders.

Chief Ogbeh who spoke of his journey into politics since the late 70s also mentioned a number of projects to empower the youth in the agric sector.

‘We’re planting 20 million bananas’

Chief Ogbeh said: “This year, in the next four weeks, we shall be planting 20 million bananas. You know why, there is a banana disease in West Indies and Indians cannot export bananas to Europe now because of the disease.

“We are planting a disease free variety.”

 According to him, banana business around the world worth 12 billion British pound sterling, stressing that by estimate, every British consumes an average of 200 bananas per annum.

He added that Nigeria could reap the benefits because bananas can only grow in the tropics

New palm oil processing machines underway

To produce palm oil to meet international standard the minister said “we are designing new machines made of stainless steel. Those galvanized steel used in the villages are not good enough because when you process with it, the iron contain becomes too high and you cannot export it.”

 He stressed that consumption of such product can also be harmful.

“New mills are coming. We are going to build them and sell them at discount to young people who want to go into this business” the minister said.

Asia request 2 million tonnes of our soybeans

The minister while encouraging youth to go into agriculture said “Just last week we got a letter of request from an Asian country requesting two million tonnes of soya beams.”

He, however, did not mention which Asia country.

Another request for 120,000 weekly 

Chief Ogbeh also charged the youth to explore opportunities in goat farming, adding that the market in the Middle East is huge for both live goats and hide and skin.

 “A month ago, we go a request from the Middle East to supply 120,000 goats per week.  Nigeria has roughly 15 million goats but that is not enough,” he said.