The Belgian Ambassador to Nigeria, Pieter Leenknegt, Monday said Belgium government is ready to enhance agricultural production, trade and finance between Nigeria and Belgium.
Leenknegt made this known in his address during a courtesy visit to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, at the new Olubadan Palace, Oke Aremo, Ibadan.
He stated that his visit was to enhance agricultural production, trade and finance between Nigeria and Belgium as well as to tap from the experiences of the Olubadan and the Olubadan- in -council for a successful foray in Nigeria’s agricultural sector during his tenure in Nigeria.
“We have spent some days at IITA. Agriculture is one of the areas we are working on which is in line with the agenda of the current administration in the country. We have CRIN in Ibadan. Oyo state has been a major producer of cocoa.
“We want to see how we can boost cocoa production in Nigeria and through this we will enhance trade and finance. This brought me to Oyo state.
“So, I am very 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 the office.”
Oba Olakulehin said Ibadan has enough arable land suitable for agricultural production needing investors.
Speaking through the Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, the Olubadan stated that there are vast hectares of arable land in Ibadan suitable and available for agricultural production which requires international partnership funding and support to boost food production in the nation.
“Kabiesi is happy to receive you and your team this morning. Ibadan is one of the largest cities in Africa. We have major resources here in Ibadan. We have vast arable land in Ibadan that is suitable for agricultural production in large scale quantity,” he said.