A delegation of the Edo State Government to the Botswana High Commission, Abuja, Friday Photo Credit: Roland Igbadumhe, SSA on Livestock Development.
The Edo State Government is seeking Botswana’s partnership in agriculture and livestock development as part of efforts to attract foreign investment ahead of its forthcoming International Agricultural and Livestock Investment Summit.
The state government made the appeal during a meeting with the Botswana High Commissioner to Nigeria, Philada Kereng, at the country’s High Commission in Abuja on Friday.
The delegation was led by the Edo State Commissioners for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Jerry Uwangue, and Livestock Development, Mr Ohimai Ehijimetor.
During the meeting, the High Commissioner commended the Edo government’s efforts to develop livestock production and urged the state to explore investment opportunities in agro-tourism and animal feed production.
She also pledged the support of the Botswana High Commission in “attracting investors to the proposed summit,” signalling a potential avenue for cooperation between Edo State and Botswana in agricultural development.
A statement issued on Sunday by the two commissioners said the meeting “formed part of the state government’s ongoing consultations with diplomatic missions to secure international participation and investment for the summit.”
It added that the proposed engagement is expected “to provide a platform for investors to explore opportunities across agriculture, livestock production, animal feed manufacturing and related businesses in Edo State.”
The High Commissioner’s recommendations on agro-tourism and animal feed production also highlighted areas where the state could broaden its investment drive beyond conventional farming and livestock rearing.
Animal feed production, in particular, is an important component of livestock development, with access to affordable and quality feed helping to improve productivity and reduce production costs for farmers.
Agro-tourism, meanwhile, offers opportunities to combine agricultural activities with tourism, creating additional income streams and supporting rural enterprises.
The Edo delegation also included the Special Adviser on Livestock Development, Roland Igbadumhe; Senior Special Assistant on Agriculture and Food Security, Emmanuel Sule; and Director in the Ministry of Livestock Development, Lucky Adebudo.
“The state government’s engagement with the Botswana High Commission reflects its effort to build international partnerships capable of attracting capital, technical expertise and commercial participation in its agricultural and livestock sectors,” the statement added.