Ondo State government has disclosed its commitment to revitalize cocoa production to ensure Ondo maintains its position as the leading producer of premium cocoa seeds in Nigeria by supporting cocoa farmers to push their products to the international market to earn foreign exchange.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, speaking while playing host to the members of the Ondo State Cocoa Council, led by Dr. Olusegun Awolumate, highlighted cocoa’s historical significance as a cornerstone of the Southwest region’s economy before the oil boom.
The governor stressed the need to address challenges, particularly in non-forest cocoa cultivation, to maintain product quality for international markets. He pointed out the determination of his administration towards the construction and rehabilitation of rural roads to enhance the productivity of farmers and produce marketers in the state.
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“We will support you and other stakeholders to increase our cocoa production, especially the one that has to do with growing cocoa outside the forests, which, if measures are not taken, will affect the quality of our products in the international market.
“Whatever measures we need to take, I promise we will look at them together to make sure the problem is resolved and our product remains the best in the international market.”
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Also speaking was the Chairman of the Council, Dr. Olusegun Awolumate, who noted that Ondo State has a comparative advantage among equals, which has consistently served as a major revenue driver for its economic growth.
Awolumate stated that the Council is in partnership with the Ondo office of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) on the establishment of the Cocoa Agropreneurs’ Mentorship Programme (CAMP) to attract and retain a successor generation of youthful cocoa farmers.
