(Governor Monday Okpebholo. Photo Credit: Vangauard News)
Edo State wants to become Nigeria’s leading rubber producer again.
Governor Monday Okpebholo said this on Tuesday, through his Chief of Staff, Alhaji Yakubu Musa, at a rubber conference in Benin City.
The governor said Edo has about 40,000 hectares of land under rubber, along with large estates and many small farmers.
He wants the state to move beyond selling raw rubber and start processing it locally, which he says would create jobs for young people and farmers.
He said reaching that goal will take better research, improved farming methods, private investment and closer work between government, universities and industry.
The International Rubber Research and Development Board’s conference brought together delegates from 23 member countries, along with researchers and investors.
Okpebholo invited them to look at farming and industry opportunities in Edo.