The Ibolo Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture(ICCIMA) has held its 1st Annual General Meeting in Ojoku, Oyun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The meeting which was premised on business opportunities in the agricultural sector exposed members to how to deploy modern strategies into farming for commercial purposes.
Speaking on the theme, the Guest speaker, who is the Director of Agriculture, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Abuja, Dr. Deola Banjo while speaking on categories of the farming system exposed members to different avenues to generate income.
Identifying business opportunities in agriculture, he encouraged irrigation farming and charged ICCIMA to initiate the cultivation of orange flesh sweet potatoes, and promotes the production of sunflower, soya bean, and ground nut oil.
While digressing on livestock production, Dr. Deola charges ICCIMA to create a viable agricultural cooperative group for the members as a way of empowering people at the grassroots.
He equally charged the political elites to always empower constituents at the grassroots in kind rather than cash, adding that empowering in kind gives a sense of responsibility to the members of the constituents to be self-reliant.
Earlier, the President of ICCIMA, Mr. Paul Olagunju said the Annual General Meeting is another avenue for members to rub minds and make meaningful interactions with the business community to ensure that the chamber continues to channel a path of sustainable development for the Ibolo business community and economy at large.
Mr. Olagunju noted that the theme of the meeting was carefully chosen at a time the rising unemployment and underemployment, high rate of poverty, and the need to encourage business are pertinent to sustainable development at the grassroots.
He thanked the Kwara State Government led by Mallam Abdrasaq Abdulrahaman and noted that the administration will consolidate on the developmental strides made in the past four years. The President solicited for more support for the private sector particularly, the Chamber of Commerce while providing a conducive atmosphere for businesses to thrive in the State.
He, therefore, urged the members not just to dialogue but be ready to take bold steps towards implementing all the notable ideas discussed towards setting up a commercial farming system.
While thanking the royal father, Olojoku of Ojoku, Oba Abdulrasaq Adegboyega Afolabi, he stressed that the ICCIMA will unleash new economic opportunities that will lift the people of Ibolo out of poverty.
