Speech by Alh. Mohammed Ahmed Kontagora, President, National Shea Products Association of Nigeria (NASPAN)
Wednesday, January 24, 2024
Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press,
Good morning and thank you for joining us today as we gather to launch the 2024 Annual Shea Conference, organized by the esteemed Global Shea Alliance. As the President of the National Shea Products Association of Nigeria (NASPAN), I am honored to address you on this momentous occasion.
The theme for this year’s conference, “Bridging the Gap,” resonates deeply with the goals and aspirations of the Nigerian Shea industry. The Shea sector, with its vast potential, not only serves as a source of natural food and personal care products but also plays a pivotal role in driving economic growth, environmental conservation, and income equality.
Over the years, our industry has envisioned a future marked by responsible parkland management, resource conservation, women’s empowerment, youth engagement, digital transformation, and expansion into new markets. While these aspirations have been the focus of discussions in past conferences, the time has come to move from planning to tangible action. The 2024 Annual Shea Conference provides us with the platform to do just that.
Bridging the gap, in the context of the Nigerian Shea industry, means addressing the challenges and barriers that hinder our progress towards sustainability. These barriers include insufficient investment, untapped market opportunities, weak policy frameworks, insecurity and social inequalities. It is crucial that we identify these challenges, discuss them openly, and work collaboratively to find practical solutions.
As the host of the 2023 conference, NASPAN remains committed to fostering an environment of collaboration and dialogue. We are excited to continue this momentum and contribute meaningfully to the discussions at the upcoming conference. Our expectations are high, and we anticipate that the event will not only showcase success stories but also provide a platform to share initiatives that have successfully bridged the gap between our industry’s vision and its present reality.
We look forward to learning from the experiences of others, gaining insights into best practices, and leveraging the power of collaboration to overcome shared challenges. NASPAN, along with other relevant stakeholders is ready to actively engage in promoting sustainability within the shea industry.
In conclusion, the 2024 Annual Shea Conference is an opportunity for all of us to unite, share knowledge, and build lasting partnerships. Let us seize this moment to pave the way for a future where the Nigerian Shea industry thrives sustainably, leaving a positive impact on our collective prosperity and the environment we cherish. The Press as the gateway has vital role to disseminate our vision, mobilize National support and galvanize global attention to the veritable resource and the great catalyst that the Nigerian shea endowment represents.
Thank you for your attention. I look forward to seeing you all at the conference from March 5th to 7th at the NAF Conference Centre, Abuja.
Alh. Mohammed Ahmed Kontagora
President, National Shea Products Association of Nigeria (NASPAN)
