BAT praised for supporting farmer empowerment initiatives in Nigeria

Oil palm cultivation in Nigeria’s Cross River State is being boosted by British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN), which has so far invested more than N10 million in the state’s oil palm revival program, according to a story by Jude Okwe for This Day.

The investment figure was revealed by Francis Adie, a director at the Cross River State Ministry for Agriculture, during the inauguration of an oil palm processing cottage industry by the BATN foundation at Itigidi, in the Abi local government area.

Adie, who was representing the commissioner for agriculture, said that BATN had, over the years, supported a series of local initiatives by empowering farmers through agricultural development.

And he said the foundation had provided also a water supply, environmental protection and support to educational institutions.

“This palm oil cottage industry is the product of successful collaboration between government and the private sector,” Aide said.

“We do encourage private organisations to invest in our local communities to create employment, embark on income generating activities and tackle poverty,’’ he added.