Critical stakeholders in agro-allied industries have been advised to allocate adequate resources towards the development of human capital in order to enhance the country’s economic growth.
Ondo State House of Assembly Committee on Commerce and Industry, stated this during a visit to the Araromi Ayesan Oil Palm PlC, Araromi-Obu, and the Rubber Estate Nigeria Limited in Odigbo LGA.
The visit was the first for the committee on the companies since the 10th assembly was inaugurated.
The chairman of the Committee, Mr. Felix Afe who noted that Palm fruits which are incredibly efficient crops, produce more oil than any other equivalent vegetable oil crop and so should be given more attention.
According to him, its numerous benefits for human survival, makes it imperative for individuals, the state and the country at large to invest in human capital development to keep the industry running
While commending the two companies as major players in the agro-allied industries in the country, he assured them of synergy for better performance.
Other members urged the companies to carry them along in its activities, encourage local investors, as well as train and employ Ondo youths for productivity.
Responding, the General Manager, Araromi Ayesan Oil Palm Plc, Sola Ikumawoyi who appreciated the commttee members for coming to familiarize with then, explained that the campany has a lot of potentials in terms of revenue generation and employment opportunities where it has provided jobs to hundreds of youths.
While saying the Oil palm industry is labour and capital intensive, Mr. Ikumawoyi hinted that the company covers a total of 1,290 hectares of matured palm trees and about 2,210 hectares of reserved land for development.
He sought the support of the committee to be able to overcome the challenges of encroachers among others.
Also, the Managing Director, Rubber Estate Nigeria Limited, Olivier Odoukou, represented by the performance manager, Bakary Onakara, emphasied that the company has embarked on various community projects, such as building of e-library, awarding scholarship, renovation of schools, road-grading among others as part of its corporate social responsibility.
The committee was conducted round the facilities at the two companies.