Nigeria to become Africa’s largest Avocado producer by 2030 , says Obasanjo

Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed optimism that Nigeria could be largest producer of Avocado crop by 2030 with the enthusiasm of the country’s farmers.

Penpushing reports that, Obasanjo made this observation on Monday when he host officials of Avocado Society of Nigeria (ASN) at his penthouse residence located within Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) Abeokuta.

The former President, who was conferred with the Avocado Society of Nigeria(ASN) Grand Patron award, said the country possessed all qualities needed to take over the East African countries in avocado crop planting.

Penpushing further reports that, Obasanjo in a statement made available by  his media, Kehinde Akinyemi while responding to question on the prospects of the crop by 2030 said “I want to see Nigeria becoming one of, if not the leading avocado producer in Africa. Avocado is a unique crop and very lucrative business which can be done as either a business or a hobby, from having a plantation or just few trees in one’s compound.

“I am happy to be a member of this association. I hope more people will appreciate the value of avocado business and join us either as a hobby or as a business. Avocado is a very healthy fruit with numerous benefits. The oil as well as the pulp from it is used in the cosmetic industry, pharmaceutical companies and therapeutic activities. I will say a bit of avocado everyday keeps the doctor away,” Obasanjo said.

Penpushing also reports that, he thanked the leadership of the Society, assuring them of his total commitment as the grand patron, even as he restated that the crop could replace oil in the country.

“Those of us who have been privileged to knowing about Avocado production must not hold the information to ourselves. In my simple opinion, this is the new oil of Nigeria, if it is effectively tapped into,” he noted.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Avocado Society, Sola Bunmi Adeniyi, earlier extolled the efforts of Obasanjo at promoting agriculture in Nigeria and Africa at large, stressing, “such virtue is a rare one.

“If at this old age and considering his affluence he still does not underemphasize the importance of taking opportunities, I think he is passing a great message to all Nigerians, regardless of class. The multi million naira investment into Avocado by the Grand Patron clearly show that he is an unrepentant lover and Advocate of Agriculture. You heard him saying the potentials of this crop in the next decade, therefore, Avocado production must be tapped into by all.

“Baba is the Society’s grand patron because we believe in his capacity and we want him to lead this awareness for the good of our Nation and the prosperity of our people,” he stated.