Edo, Vietnamese farmers sign MoU on rice production

The Edo State Government and Vietnamese farmers have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on rice production in the state.
At the ceremony on  Wednesday, Governor Adams Oshiomhole said Nigeria does not have any business importing food to feed the people.
He declared: “If anything, we ought to be able to export food to those countries that are not as blessed as Nigeria.”

The governor added: “For too long, inconsistent public policies in regard to agriculture has led to the importation of food into the country.”
Oshiomhole expressed hope that “having provided you with the necessary incentive of land, security and political backing to enable you carry out your business without interference, you should do everything to ensure that you reciprocate government’s gesture by immediately swinging into action.”
Oshiomhole who said he recognised the role of the private sector in the development of agriculture assured the Vietnamese of government’s protection.
The Chief Executive Officer and Group Managing Director of  Trans4mation  Limited, Stephen Liney, who signed on behalf of the Vietnamese farmers, said the company was partnering with the government to bring food security to the state and assist the government in the creation of employment.
The Edo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Osagie Obayuwana,  signed on behalf of the government.