Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Tuesday said the state would build on its historical position in the rubber industry and return as Nigeria’s leading rubber producer.
Okpebholo said the state’s ambition was to move beyond raw rubber production to value addition and industrial development, creating more jobs and expanding opportunities for local farmers and young people.
According to a statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Patrick Ebojele, the governor stated this on Tuesday through his Chief of Staff, Alhaji Yakubu Musa, who represented him at the International Rubber Research and Development Board (IRRDB) Fellowship, Training and International Rubber Conference in Benin City.
He described the conference as an opportunity for international collaboration, knowledge exchange and innovation to unlock the potential of rubber for economic growth and sustainable development.
“Edo State is not a stranger to the global rubber industry. We are its historic home in Nigeria and indeed globally, with an estimated 40,000 hectares of land under rubber cultivation, major estates and thousands of smallholder farmers.
“Rubber is part of our economic heritage, and we are determined to translate that heritage into renewed hope and prosperity. We intend to return as Nigeria’s leading rubber producer,” he added.
He noted that achieving the goal would require modern research, improved farming practices, sustainable production, private-sector investment and stronger collaboration among government, academia and industry.
The governor highlighted the importance of the Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria and the IRRDB in advancing research, improving production methods and strengthening the rubber sector.
He urged participants to use the conference to develop practical solutions, establish lasting partnerships and attract investments that would deliver benefits beyond the event.
He also invited international delegates to explore opportunities in Edo State’s agricultural and industrial sectors, assuring investors of the state government’s commitment to providing an enabling environment for investment and innovation.
The conference brought together delegates from the 23 member countries of the IRRDB, alongside researchers, investors, industry leaders and other stakeholders from around the globe.
Okpebholo welcomed the delegates to Edo State and wished them successful deliberations.
“Edo’s rubber legacy is our foundation; innovation is our pathway; and global leadership is our ambition,” he said.
He expressed the hope that the conference would strengthen international cooperation and support the development of a more productive, sustainable and competitive rubber industry.