By Philomina Attah
The National Association of Mango Producers, Processors and Marketers of Nigeria (NAMPPMAN) has sought the mentorship and technical expertise of former Adamawa State Governor, Murtala Nyako, to revitalise the country’s mango sector.
The association made the appeal during a courtesy visit to Nyako in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nyako is popularly known as “Baba Mai Mangoro” for his pioneering contributions to commercial agriculture and large-scale mango cultivation in Nigeria.
Speaking during the visit, the National President of NAMPPMAN, Dr Garba Kangiwa, introduced the new leadership and outlined the core objectives of their visit.
Kangiwa said that the executive team sought to leverage Nyako’s vast wealth of knowledge in the mango industry to transition Nigeria’s agribusiness from traditional farming to a high-yield, export-oriented sector.
“We are here to present the leadership of our new executives and to tap from your deep reservoir of wisdom in commercial mango production.
“We also seek the opportunity to visit your farms to study and adopt your advanced farming methodologies,” he said.
Responding, Nyako expressed delight over the visit, noting that a strategic focus on mango value chains could serve as a powerful catalyst for economic diversification and poverty alleviation in Nigeria.
He highlighted international success stories, citing how nations like the Republic of Guinea have successfully leveraged mango exportation as a primary pillar of their national economy.
He expressed optimism that under its new executive leadership, NAMPPMAN could drive a similar economic transformation in Nigeria by unlocking the vast potential of fruit processing, value addition, and international trade.
He assured the delegation of his commitment to supporting their mission, promising to invite the leadership to his farm during his upcoming operational visit later this year for hands-on learning and practical demonstration.
Expressing appreciation, the Chairman of NAMPPMAN’s Board of Trustees (BOT), Alhaji Ahmed Goni, commended Nyako for his warm reception and lifelong advocacy for agricultural development.
Goni urged Nyako to maintain an open-door policy for the association as a guiding figure.
The meeting concluded with Nyako presenting copies of his publication, “Write-ups on Food and Basic Security” to the delegation to further guide the association’s strategic policy and development initiatives.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman