Nasarawa State has launched itself into the international trade market with the formal introduction of its Yam into the United Kingdom and other European Union market. The event which took place at the premises of the Nigerian High Commission in London, saw the launching of the yam under the trade name – Pepa Yam, Nigeria.

Speaking at the occasion, Governor Aliyu Akwe Doma, stated that the happy development was coming after three successful export trials of the yam to the United Kingdom during which the product was well received in the market.

The Governor informed the dignified and diverse audience at the occasion that the State was encouraged and inspired to undertake the export drive by Federal Government agricultural policies as well as the massive schemes, interventions and incentives geared towards the promotion of accelerated and focused mass production of agricultural products for domestic and international markets.

Noting that the farmers of Nasarawa State have for long failed to enjoy economic benefits from their toil, Governor Doma pledged to sustain the programme by engaging 400 farmers from Nasarawa State to specially grow yams for the scheme.

Speaking earlier, the Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK, Dr. Dalhatu Sarki Tafida,OFR, said that the launching of Pepa yam from Nasarawa State goes beyond mere symbolism of a single event, but is a practical and significant step in the quest for increased exportation of Nigerian non-oil products to the United Kingdom.

The High Commissioner who was the host of the event, commended the vision and exemplary leadership qualities of Governor Akwe Doma stating that the event must be seen as a ground breaking process that should open the door for other Nigerian agricultural products not just into the UK, but also the European Union. He continued by saying that the export of Nigerian yam to the UK will not only improve the income of farmers, it will also create jobs, increase foreign exchange earnings, and improve the overall trade balance between Nigeria and the UK.

The occasion was attended by a large delegation of Nigerians in the UK led by Dr. Mark Abani, the Chairman of the Central Association of Nigerians in the UK