My recent visit to Brussels in Belgium revealed the crucial role which comparative knowledge and transfer of knowledge would play in the development of Bende North Constituency, Abia State.
Specifically, I was a visitor to the red and green chambers – the House of Representatives of the Belgian parliament in Brussels. Among the many lessons that I learned on the role of comparative legislation in development, I learnt that the development of Belgium was knowledge-based and also driven by its adoption and proper adaptation.
It was also an outcome of the proper utilisation of inherent potential and opportunities in her environment. And of course, a concrete example of the results of determination propelled by discipline. And all these are quite evident in various aspects of the lives of the people identified with the Kingdom of Belgium; a testament to the country’s global ranking, in the area of highly developed transportation system and infrastructure; mainly ports (most notably the Port of Antwerp).
And one might ask: What is the correlation between Belgium and Bende North State Constituency or what is in it for Umunna? And my answer is, quite a lot, if not so much more.
For instance, Bende North has inherent abundant, but untapped agricultural potential. This means by adopting and adapting requisite knowledge as well as tapping into various opportunities in the agricultural value chains of Bende North, its hidden investment opportunities would be unleashed and unshackled.
This will in turn lead to the establishment of micro and macro agro-allied industries; create numerous job opportunities, generate income for a majority of our people, and revenue for the government.
To achieve overall development, it’s important to learn from developed countries’ paths to success. Knowledge transfer, utilizing opportunities, and innovation can help us reach and even surpass their level of development.
And it is in this respect, that l salute the industrious nature, dexterity, and can-do spirit of our people which has placed us as the doyens of trade, and commerce in the country.
One might even wonder aloud, but Umunna is not a country like Belgium. My answer will simply be that about 80 per cent of Belgium’s economy is driven by private ventures and businesses. Hence, my incessant calls for private sector investments in Umunna.
Kindly pause a while and imagine what would happen if the same acumen, resilience, and spirit were to be deployed in the agricultural sub-sector in Bende North, with the right determination and discipline. The people in the private sector that l know and have an unflinching belief in will overtake Malaysia, China, and India in palm oil exports, cassava, and its ancillaries respectively.
This is also true in other associated produce and products in the agricultural value chains. It is, therefore, a vaulting desire for me to see a Bende North-Umunna where knowledge, agriculture education, and investment are embraced by the people holistically, to the extent that it serves as an engine of growth and development.
You will agree with me that there is a need for more investments in agriculture and its value chains by the constituents and non-constituents alike.
Bende North, a constituency known for its rich agricultural heritage, is emerging as a hotspot for investment opportunities in the cashew, bush mango, palm, and cocoa value chains with its favourable climate, fertile soil, and abundant natural resources, as the region presents a promising landscape for investors looking to tap into the agricultural sector.
Let me delve into the potential investment opportunities and the economic significance of these value chains in Bende North.
Bende North is known for its thriving cashew value chain, with high-quality nuts produced from vast plantations due to the region’s favorable climate and soil conditions. Investors can tap into opportunities in processing, packaging, and exporting cashew products to meet the growing global demand. Establishing processing factories in the region can also stimulate job creation and economic growth locally.
Thankfully, Bende North’s bush mango value chain is also highly sought after in local and international markets. The region has an abundance of bush mango trees, making it an ideal location for investment. Setting up processing units for extracting bush mango seeds can lead to various culinary and pharmaceutical products. Investing in this value chain can meet the growing demand for bush mango products and boost economic growth in the region.
Similarly, the Bende North region offers great potential for investment in the palm value chain due to its fertile soil and favorable climate for palm oil production. Investors can explore opportunities in processing, refining, and marketing of palm oil, as well as its by-products like palm kernel oil and palm kernel cake which have various industrial applications.
In addition, Bende North is renowned for its high-quality cocoa production, making it a prime location for investors interested in establishing cocoa processing units to meet the growing global demand for cocoa and its by-products. Investing in the cocoa value chain not only supports the local cocoa industry but also creates employment opportunities and boosts the region’s economic growth.
Indeed, Bende North offers investment opportunities in cashew, bush mango, palm, and cocoa value chains due to its favorable climate, fertile soil, and abundant natural resources. Investors can contribute to economic development, create jobs, and meet global demand for these commodities, making the region a promising hub for agricultural investments.
Chimdi is a Lawmaker representing Bende North Constituency, Abia State