The Belgian Ambassador to Nigeria, Pieter Leenknegt, has announced that Belgium is working on initiatives to boost cocoa production in Nigeria. Mr. Leenknegt made this statement on Monday during a courtesy visit to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, at his palace in Oke Aremo, Ibadan, Oyo State.
The ambassador explained that the visit aimed to explore ways to enhance agricultural practices, trade, and financial cooperation between Nigeria and Belgium. Additionally, he sought to draw from the wisdom and experiences of the traditional ruler to guide him during his diplomatic mission in Nigeria.
“So, I am glad to be here and I will also be glad to have words of wisdom from you that will guide me for a successful tenure in office,” he said.
Speaking through the Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, Tajudeen Ajibola, Mr Olakulehin intimated the Belgian ambassador that Ibadan had enough arable land, suitable and available for agricultural production.
According to him, there are vast hectares of arable land, and requires international partnership, funding and support, to boost food production in the country.
He urged interested investors to come and take advantage of the vast hectares of arable land in Ibadan suitable for agriculture.
Olubadan listed some locations of arable land to include; Egbeda, Ona Ara, Oluyole, Ido, Lagelu and Akinyele Local Government Areas, where potentials for large scale production of agricultural products abound in Ibadanland.
The Belgian ambassador was accompanied by Genco Sanli, the embassy’s advisor in economic diplomacy for Nigeria, Kingdom of Belgium, and Florence Oke, resource mobilisation, protocol and external liaison, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).
