*Agriculture: LAPO Micro Finance Bank seek Partnership with Ovia South West LGA*

The management of Live Above Poverty Organisation (LAPO), Micro Finance Bank, has approached Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo, for a possible partnership in the areas of mutual benefit to both parties.

The Executive Director of the LAPO Micro Finance Bank, Mrs. Sabina Osehobo, made the declaration when she paid a working visit to the Council Boss, Comr Destiny Enabulele.

Osehobo said her visit to the Council was on a fact finding mission to identify potential areas of partnership

She further stated that Ovia South West local government area have been selected in area of possible partnership with the organisation.

She decried the situation where farmers invest so much in Crop production only to be wasted due to the absence of ready market for their produce.

While also noting lack storage facilities for agricultural produce, she said that her organisation will meet with farmers in the local government with a view to organizing them into clusters in order of international best standard practices.

She said that her organisation will make available the opportunities for the farmers to benefit from Agric loans and grants.

She further explained that the new initiative by her bank is aimed at identifying communities that have comparative advantage in the production of a particular crop than other local government

She stressed that the aim is to prop them into engaging into export market to earn foreign exchange.

İn his response, the Council Chief, commended the LAPO for the initiative and noted that it was apt, considering the need to source for other means of income outside crude oil.

He expressed the council willingness to partner with any group, organisation or individual, that would boost the economy activities of the area.