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… invest in rice farming in Niger DELTA, ors
By Essien Inyang
A Japanese investment group has struck partnership with the Office of the Special Assistant to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, headed by Senator Ita Enang.
The deal was reached after the five-man Japanese team paid a courtesy visit to Presidential aide in his office in Abuja, Tuesday.
Senator Ita Enang:
“My mandate here is first to draw attention of all to the investment potential of the Niger Delta region and to seek economic diversification initiatives other than oil. There are vacant empty lands in states of the Niger Delta waiting for investors like you to come and invest in Agriculture. We want you to participate with us and invest in rice farming and export,” said Senator Ita Enang while welcoming the visitors.
He said by closing its borders, Nigeria is showing seriousness that it wants to cultivate rice and then export to other countries of the world.
“The essence of our border closure is to engage our local potentials for efficient rice production.
The presidential aide invited the Japanese investors to the fledgling rice farm in Ikpe in INI local government area and the one in Ibiono, both in Akwa Ibom State “so that you can co-invest with us.”
He promised to offer them technical assistant through his office so they access states like Abia, Ebonyi, Cross River and Ondo for agricultural investment as well as in sold minerals.
Mr. Tanaka who led the Japanese investors said his team has been liaising with the Nigerian Japanese Friendship Association made up of CEO’s of different companies in order to make inroad to Nigeria a success.
Tanaka said their aim to offer services that would further smoothen the good relationship between Nigeria and Japan.
He disclosed that his team plans to invest in rice production in the country.
