Edo State Explores Livestock Husbandry With Namibia

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has revealed plans to partner with the government of Namibia on animal husbandry and other livestock benefits.

Obaseki disclosed this when the Namibian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Humphery Geiseb, paid a courtesy visit to the Governor on September 13th 2023, at the Edo State Government House in Benin City.

Obaseki while commending the livestock industry in Namibia, expressed interest on the part of the state government to collaborate with the industry. Obaseki said: “We know Namibia has a strong economy and also has challenges like many other African countries, but there are areas in which you have established global competitiveness and it is in those areas we would like to cooperate with you. We believe that opportunities exist in terms of your services.”

“We do not see why we cannot work with some of your professional service firms in areas of technology and in areas of management services, but more importantly, we just admire the way you have run your livestock industry in your country and it is in that area as a state we will be exploring opportunities to see how we can collaborate and cooperate”, Obaseki added.

Welcoming the High Commissioner and his wife Lena Geiseb, Obaseki expressed optimism over the numerous opportunities which exist for both entities, as the relationship between Namibia and Nigeria goes way back to pre-independence times.

According to the Governor, “It is with great pleasure that I welcome the High Commissioner and his lovely wife to Edo State and also thank you for coming to honour our most industrious Esama of Benin on the occasion of his 89th birthday.

“We also appreciate the fact that you have taken the time out to meet with us on government-to-government basis to explore the opportunities that are available in terms of economic and other cooperation. We have had a great and cordial relationship with your country from the days of your struggle for independence till date.

“We appreciate the fact that we are now extending the cooperation beyond the national to subnational relationship. We are not surprised that many countries like yours and diplomats like you are now beginning to go into the counties to see how we can do business together, taking advantage of the bilateral agreement and other agreements which have already been established between our two countries.”

Earlier, the Namibian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Humphrey Geiseb, thanked the Governor for his warm reception, stating that the reason for the visit is to establish and strengthen relationship with the state, share ideas and explore opportunities for mutual benefit by the two regions.

According to Geiseb, “We want to express our appreciation for meeting His Excellency the Governor,  and to  share a few words on the opportunities we see for cooperation between Namibia and Edo State.

“The relationship between the two countries, Namibia and Nigeria, is very good.  It was Nigeria that supported the people of Namibia during our struggle for independence. Many Nigerians are founding fathers of the Namibian nation.

“Our visit is aimed at strengthening relationship with Edo State and sharing a few ideas on where opportunities are. And we feel that Edo State is the heart beat of the nation of Nigeria.

“There are quite a lot of opportunities which Namibian business people could tap into. That would give us the opportunity to showcase Namibian products, but we will first observe what products are produced in Edo State.

“For example, the Governor has expressed interest to work with Namibia in the area of animal husbandry because Namibia is considered an expert in producing quality beef to the rest of the world. We expressed our best wishes for continuous progress in various endeavors and we will continue to be encouraged by the progress that is registered here in Edo State. We look forward to returning again.”