Post by Trade Coach on Feb 11, 2017 17:25:40 GMT 1
Speaking on sundry agricultural export development in the country, Chief Executive Officer, The Thy Communications Limited, Mr Ismail AbdulAzeez urged the Federal, State and Local Governments not to relent on efforts to get the country’s agricultural programmes on the right track.
Our strides in this regard, The Thy boss, said “Solutions to the nation’s economic challenges are no quick fixes, however, agriculture is that sector that can do it for us. Years ago when we canvassed this path, many people thought it was a child’s play or one of those cacophonic statements and blabbing. Today, with many Nigerians returning back to the farm, our company is positioned to change the face of exportation of agricultural commodities and finished products in Nigeria. We are going to train exporters and farmers in different certifications, while leveraging the network to bring in off-takers like we have been doing in before now. President Muhamadu Buhari’s administration has shown a complete total commitment in agriculture and desire to be the leading agricultural export country in Africa.
“It is heart-warming that The Thy Global Investment Limited has taken the bull by the horn, appealing to government at all levels to support the SMEs loans program at nine per cent (9%) single interest rate; accessible to farmers and their cooperative societies. This is what the country needs! The most encouraging of all is the airfreight subsidy which of course empowers the farmers to be able to transport their product overseas without quagmires. This will boost the confidence level of off-takers and boost agriculture throughout the federation; others can emulate this gesture.
“I am encouraging every State Government to accept this ‘proposal of economic restoration through agriculture’ which The Thy Global Investment Ltd presents to all. It is not the time to curry cheap political gains by engaging on unsavoury and verbal attacks on opponents; rather we must close ranks to achieve this goal.
“Why I am particular about this development? It wouldn’t have come at a better time than now President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration has launched ‘many alternative’ projects that are laudable, only if fully implemented”.
He however advised SMEs, especially those in the agricultural sector to leverage franchise business model to better their worth even in the present economic recession.
Abdul said that leading food and other supply chains in Europe and other parts of the world thrive through franchise business.
“It pains me seeing young Nigerians sweat from day to day without results. The single reason is that most of us are ‘myopic’ about franchise business ventures. Why opening clusters of shops in Lagos, Abuja, Port-harcour, or whichever market while ten of you can leverage a big brand’s name to do business without qualms. Let our people think out of the box. Look at what Slot Systems is doing in the phone retail business; people are now using Slot name to set up businesses, because it is a reputable brand. Very soon, such things will begin to happen in the agric sector, we shouldn’t just fold our hands waiting for the government while we perish in penury. Now is the time to work the talks”, he concluded.