The Odu’a Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture has highlighted the need for the Southwest Governors to collaborate with the chamber for the purpose of ensuring post COVID-19 food security across the region.
ODU’ACCIMA, during an online meeting tagged COVID 19 Pandemic – Western Nigeria Economic Outlook 2020-2022, which was organized by DAWN Commission, explained the importance of prioritizing funding of the Agricultural sector.
ODUACCIMA’s President, Chief Kola Akosile who was represented by the Director General, David Awotipe buttressed that, “Agriculture funding should be given priority across the region and to be duly implemented through the Chambers of Commerce who are known to be accountable, thereby focusing commercialized farming or Agribusiness.”
He also urged the regional government to reactivate Produce Boards to ensure sales of excess farm produce and encourage creation of offtakers agreements.
Speaking on boosting the economy following the fall in oil process globally, the DG canvassed for the implementation of the region’s economic policies through ODU’ACCIMA.
“Western region to implement her economic policies through the Chamber movement who are the real business owners and movers of the economy”, he added.
He further highlighted the strategic position of the Chambers of Commerce as an important stakeholder with adequate structure and systems for grassroot economic implementation.
On his part, the Director General of DAWN Commission, Mr. Seye Oyeleye noted that the purpose of the meeting was “to come up with southwest strategic economic solutions that must be evidenced in the next 18 months bearing in mind the current fall in the price of oil globally with effect on Nigeria revenue”.
Speakers and participants at the meeting were; Dr. Doyin Salami, Mr. Seun Onigbinde, Prof. Olu Ajakaiye ,Dr. Tayo Aduloju, Mr. Opeyemi Agbaje, Dr. Olusade Taiwo.
Other participants were; Commissioners of Finance of the six southwest states, Commissioners of Economic Planning and Budget of the six states, Representative of DFID, National Planning Commission, GMD Odu’a Investment and other key economic experts in the region.