At the weekend, the Oyo State Ministry of Trade, Industry, Investment, and Cooperatives said it had concluded plans to collaborate with the Odu’a Cooperative Conglomerate Limited to tackle challenges faced in locally produced foods in the state.
The collaboration was also expected to encourage efforts to unlock the food value chain for effective transformation.
Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment, and Cooperatives Adeniyi Adebisi, who made this known during a visit to Odu’a Cooperative Conglomerate Limited, Ilesa, Osun State, said the state government would address some issues regarding irregularities in the exportation of food and other vital matters.
Adebisi said the visit was intended to evaluate the factory’s operations, explore exportation opportunities, and assess the cooperative’s registration status, scope of operation, and product quality.
“The Oyo State government is committed to promoting agricultural development, food processing, and economic growth in the region. We believe that the Odu’a Cooperative Conglomerate Limited has the potential to play a significant role in achieving this goal,” he said.
He emphasised the need for the cooperative to synergise with the Nigeria Export Promotion Council to promote locally produced foods for international consumption.
The permanent secretary of the ministry, Mr. Olajide Okesade, pointed out the need for quality assurance and export destination standards to facilitate the concept of opening up the local product for exportation.
He encouraged the cooperative to improve product quality, meet international standards, and obtain necessary certifications.
The acting general manager of the cooperative, Mr Kayode Oloruntobi, expressed the cooperative’s willingness to collaborate with the Oyo State government to boost the exportation of locally produced foods.
