A pledge has been made by the cosmetic manufacturing company, AMU-Gold Global Network, to plant a minimum of one million Shea butter trees in the Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State. The initiative aims to restore the trees that were destroyed by charcoal dealers.
AMU-Gold Global Network has announced its collaboration with the Elumelu Foundation to achieve this significant target. The Chairman of Amu Gold Global Network, Mr Temitope Amujo, emphasized the importance of planting new Shea trees to ensure a sustainable supply of Shea butter, a crucial raw material for the company. This initiative will also contribute to preventing deforestation and the exploitation of forest resources in the country.
On the occasion of the 10th-anniversary celebration of product rollout at the company’s headquarters in Ilorin, Kwara State, Amujo highlighted that 90% of the company’s raw materials are locally sourced from wild Shea butter trees in the area. He expressed concern over the extinction of these trees due to illegal felling by charcoal dealers.
In collaboration with the Forestry Research Institute, the company plans to plant an improved breed of one million Shea trees in Kaiama, Kwara State. Amujo stressed the need to address the issue of cutting down Shea trees for charcoal, emphasizing the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
Amujo called for collective action to protect and restore the forest, urging everyone to participate in the initiative. He also urged the government to support the ‘Save to Share’ initiative for planting one million Shea trees.
Reflecting on the company’s growth since its inception in 2014, Amujo shared plans for future expansion and job creation. AMU-Gold Global aims to support the government by creating employment opportunities and contributing to the economy.
Addressing challenges such as unreliable electricity supply, Amujo emphasized the importance of sustainable solutions. He advocated for the establishment of a mini-grid system to ensure stable power supply for the organisation and the community, highlighting the significant impact of power outages on operations and productivity.
Furthermore, Amujo announced plans for the 10th anniversary celebration of Jimpo-Ori, including initiatives to support mental health, empower young graduates, and promote entrepreneurship through digital market trade fair and loan grant programs.