At the vibrant National Cashew Day and Cashew Season Flag off Ceremony in Enugu State yesterday, January 24, 2024, the Honorable Commissioner for the Edo State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Stephen Idehenre, representing Governor Godwin Obaseki, delivered a speech that resonated with a call for revolutionizing the Nigerian cashew industry through technology, innovation, and inclusive policies. Speaking to farmers and stakeholders in the cashew industry in Nigeria, the commissioner noted: “Our gathering is not merely a festivity, it is a collective reflection on the journey, challenges, and triumphs of the cashew industry.” He declared that while setting the stage for a forward-looking discourse. Recognising the transformative potential of technology, the commissioner emphasised the state’s commitment to providing access to modern farming equipment, promoting smart farming practices, and leveraging data analytics. “It will interest you all to know that Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State recently approved free distribution of 200-thousand cashew poly clonal seedlings which are the newest variety to all farmers in the state,” he said. However, innovation was not confined to technological advancements. The call for fostering research and development, creating new cashew varieties, and developing innovative products resonated with the audience, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to propelling the industry. Inclusive growth was a central theme of the speech. “Our policies must not only cater to the interests of large-scale commercial farmers but also prioritise the needs of smallholder farmers,” the commissioner asserted. Edo State’s commitment to implementing policies that address their challenges, ensuring access to credit, extension services, and market linkages, resonated with a large portion of those in the cashew value chain. The speech resonated beyond Edo State, with the commissioner extending his gratitude to the National Cashew Association of Nigeria and calling for collective action: “Together, let us embark on this journey of transformation, turning challenges into opportunities and shaping a brighter future for the cashew industry in the nation.” The National Cashew Day celebration serves as a platform for not only celebrating the achievements of the industry but also charting a course for its future. With Edo State championing the crucial pillars of technology, innovation, and inclusivity, the Nigerian cashew industry stands poised for a transformative journey, promising not just economic prosperity but also agricultural excellence for the nation. The theme of the event which is expected to end Thursday 25, January, 2024 was “Transforming Nigeria cashew industry through technology, innovations and inclusive policies.” The Speaker of the House of Representatives was represented by the Chairman House Committee on Agriculture, Hon. Bello Kaoje. The Governor of Enugu State was represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialization, Enugu State, Patrick Nwabueze Ubru while the Governor of Abia State was represented by his Special Adviser on Agriculture, Dr Cliff Agbaeze.