By Suleiman Abubakar Rimi Uku Lafia
In a bold move to transform agriculture and boost Nigeria’s revenue base, Eden Moringa Productions and Marketers Limited, in collaboration with the Moringa Productions, Marketers, Farmers Welfare and Empowerment Association of Nigeria (MPM-FWEAN), has launched a 500-hectare Moringa plantation in Edo State.
The formal flag-off, which held at Uvbe Community along the Benin–Agbor expressway in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area, marked the commencement of large-scale harvesting, drying, and off-taking of Moringa Oleifera, popularly called the miracle tree.
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Eden Moringa, Dr. Ashimashiga Michael Akoloaga, described Moringa as a “critical tool in tackling poverty and insecurity in Nigeria.” He explained that beyond its nutritional and health benefits, Moringa farming offers opportunities for monthly harvests, steady income generation, and sustainable job creation.
Dr. Akoloaga revealed that the project, fully supported by the National Patron of the Association, Epa Ewere Dickson Imasogie, also includes the restoration and modernization of a drying and processing facility to guarantee high-quality organic products for both domestic and international markets.
“Any government analysis for sustainable economic empowerment that excludes the potential of Moringa plantations is overlooking a critical tool in tackling poverty and insecurity,” stressed Dr. Shuaibu U. Adamu, the National Secretary of the Association.
He praised Imasogie for his generosity in donating the farmland and facilities that made the landmark project possible, while urging Nigerians to embrace organic farming as a pathway to improved livelihoods and national productivity.
The Association’s zonal leaders—Dr. Theophilus John Angbashim (North Central), Chief Mrs. Charity Ochulo Uzoma (South East), and Alhaji Aliyu Mohammed Diya (North West)—commended the initiative, noting that the strategic development of Moringa-based value chains would not only transform the agricultural sector but also reduce youth unemployment and community-level insecurity through economic engagement.
They further applauded Dr. Akoloaga for his vision in driving what is now regarded as Nigeria’s largest Moringa plantation and hailed the foresight of Epa Ewere Dickson Imasogie in creating an enabling environment for agricultural innovation.
With global demand for organic health products on the rise, stakeholders emphasized that Moringa farming positions Nigeria for foreign exchange earnings, food security, and sustainable development.
The event also featured the light-launching of the Edo State Organic Processing Facility, expected to serve as a hub for value addition, job creation, and foreign revenue generation.
