NAN-H-31
Investors
By Collins Yakubu-Hammer and Judith Ezeudogu
Abuja, Sept. 2, 2017 (NAN) The Association of Coconut Oil extractors of Nigeria (ACEN) has urged the Federal Government to help small scale investors manage and improve their businesses.
The Chairman of the association, Mr Emeka Ugwoeje, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja.
Ugwoeje said that the just concluded conference on coconut organised by the association was to sensitise members of the association and public to the investment opportunities in the coconut oil extraction business.
“The way to move Nigeria forward is for government to encourage small scale businesses at every level.
“We should put aside sentiments, deceit, mediocrity and work out how small scale investors can be encouraged to also contribute in moving the country forward.
“Providing them with funds is good, but there is need to help small businesses understand how to do business.
“You can give some investors money and they will just go and marry more wives.
“Funding is crucial to the success of a business, but the capacity also of the business needs to be built.
“This will help them become better entrepreneurs.
“That is what happens in countries such as China, U.S and other places.
“So once the people are able to be taught the art and technique of business, they will also do better,” he said.
The ACEN chairman called on Nigerians to eat coconut because its healthy.
He, however, said that the association would put together a task force to deal with producers of fake and adulterated coconut oil and other related products in the market.
Ugwoeje said that the task force would comprise uniformed personnel, officials of the National Agency for Foods and Drug Administration and Control and members of other relevant agencies.
According to him the establishment of the force will go a long way toward reducing the sale of fake coconut products in the market. (NAN)
CMY/JE/IFY/YEE
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Edited by Ifeyinwa Omowole/Emmanuel Yashim