By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has pledged to enhance cocoa production to boost the state’s economy.
He made this promise while receiving the Ondo State Cocoa Council led by Chairman Dr. Olusegun Awolumate in his office in Akure, on Thursday.
The Governor acknowledged cocoa as a significant contributor to the state’s economy, particularly in the Southwest region, before the discovery of oil.
He expressed his administration’s commitment to supporting cocoa farmers to increase production and access international markets to earn foreign exchange.
Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasized the need to address the issue of growing cocoa outside forests, which could impact product quality in the international market.
He promised to work with stakeholders to resolve this challenge and maintain Ondo State’s position as the highest cocoa producer in the country.
The Governor also reiterated his administration’s commitment to constructing and rehabilitating rural roads to enhance farmers’ productivity and produce marketers’ activities.
He encouraged the Council to involve youths in its activities, as the government aims to support new generations of farmers.
Dr. Awolumate, Chairman of the Ondo State Cocoa Council, highlighted the state’s comparative advantage in cocoa production, which drives economic growth.
He mentioned the Council’s partnership with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) to establish the Cocoa Agropreneurs’ Mentorship Programme (CAMP), aimed at attracting and retaining young cocoa farmers. Currently, 50 students from Federal College of Agriculture, Akure (FECA), and Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) are participating in the pilot stage of the program.
