Oil palm sector: C’River royal fathers laud Solidaridad
From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar
Some royal fathers in Cross River State have welcomed the intervention in the state’s oil palm sector by Solidaridad, a civil society organisation.
The royal fathers comprising the paramount rulers of Biase, Ikom and Bekwarra made this known in Calabar during a one-day state multi-stakeholders platform meeting.
The sensitization meeting was organised by Solidaridad to bring to the attention of stakeholders their responsibilities towards turning around the oil palm economy in their areas.
Speaking at the sidelines of the meeting, the acting paramount Ruler of Ikom, HRH Ntoe B. A. Ndoma said he is so happy with what Solidaridad has been doing to help their farmers.
He maintained that the intervention will go a long way in helping them maximise their yields and boost their income.
He promised to synergize with the oil palm farmers at the local government area so that his people will maximise the benefit they are giving.
Similarly, the paramount Ruler of Bekwarra HRM Odey Linus Obeche said Solidaridad is touching the local people at home through their intervention in oil palm cultivation.
He said his council is going to encourage the local people there to key in and maximise the benefits inherent in the project.
He disclosed that in line with what Solidaridad is doing, a new law has been enacted in Bekwarra that aims to open up access to land for women and youths so that them can seamlessly embrace oil palm farming among others.
Also speaking, the paramount Ruler of Biase, HRM Onun Apostle Nicholas, said the Intervention bus apt and the knowledge gathered from the sensitization will be disseminated to their subjects.
He added that they will deliberate among themselves in Biase and explore how they will benefit from what solidaridad is doing.
The permanent Secretary in the state’s ministry of Agriculture, Jacob Udida said the ministry has enjoyed a robust partnership with solidaridad.
He said the state government is always ready to partner with them in view of the enormous benefit the state oil palm farmers stand to gain but requested for a larger scope of partnership and intervention.
Speaking during the engagement, Dr. Otu Ibor, the State MSP coordinator said the focus of the meeting is to bring to the attention of all stakeholders of their responsibilities towards turning around the oil palm economy.
He added that it will also help promote mitigation green house gases, promote inclusive access for productive assets for enhanced livelihoods with priorities for women and youths.
Solidaridad is implementing the National Initiative On Sustainable Climate Smart Oil Palm Small-holders (NISCOPS) in Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Enugu and Kogi states.
The organisation works with key stakeholders in each of the state’s by bringing together supply chain actors and engaging them in innovative solutions to improve production.
This they hope will ensure the transition to a sustainable climate smart and inclusive economy in oil palm production that maximizes the benefit for all.
At least twelve thousand small holder farmers are expected to participate in the three year project by Solidaridad in the country.
