Members of Ondo State Exporters’ Cluster (ODSEC) yesterday adopted Cocoa Export as a common cluster project to boost Cocoa export and attract foreign exchange into the state.

Rising from its inaugural meeting held at SMEDAN office, Akure, the state chairman, Mrs. Oluwatomi Olatoye who said the group saw the need to adopt Cocoa as a single crop to work on as it has a lot of value chain, further noted that aside encouraging individual to pursue their personal export interest, the group provides a veritable platform for people of like mind to deliberate and chart way forward.

While encouraging all players to come together and look for ways to push the product out, Mrs. Olatoye expressed optimism that with the help of key players like Dr. Jibayo Oyebade, going through the process will be a lot easier

Giving his remarks, the Head/Trade Promotion Advisor, NEPC Akure Export Assistance Office, Mr. Macpherson Fred-Ileogben while restating that NEPC is responsible for promotion, development and diversification of exports, said history was made in Ondo State on Thursday, 16th September, 2021 with the inauguration of Ondo State Exporters’ Cluster as a deliberate initiative of NEPC to grow export trade in the state.

While acknowledging the work done till date by the pioneer 3-man committee made up Mrs. Oluwatomi Olatoye,  Mr Demola SOJA and Mr Ajayi, Mr. Ileogben urged the team to continue to work to achieve all the set goals.

He also used the opportunity to charge members not to be distracted but go play their individual roles as leaders and followers effectively in order to achieve the desired result.

In her goodwill message on behalf of NAWORG, Dr. Mrs Funmilola Williams Daudu, a Doctor cum farmer stressed the need for women to network and launch out saying it is important they key into their desired line of value chain product.

Dr. Williams while also stressing the importance of forming cluster groups for easy operation, charged women to avail themselves of opportunities in order to properly position themselves for impact.

Also speaking, the state chairman, NASSI, Mr. Greatsheyi Akintunde explored several windows of funding opportunities for interested participants just as he urged them to seriously consider export trade as it is the only viable platform to earn foreign exchange.

In his presentation, Dr. Jibayo Oyebade while noting that there are willing investors urged the group to ensure they have the right quality in order to be in a position to dictate the price.

Dr. Oyebade who said Cocoa is on world’s demand however enjoined NEPC to continue the good work of modeling the group for effectiveness.

Other major highlights of the meeting include deliberations on membership and appointment of Mr. Oluwabunmi Fatimiro as Chairman of the Cooperative. He is to be assisted by Mrs. Olusa

Also in attendance include the Manager, Ondo State Incubation Centre, Mr. Fawole, representative from the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperative Services among others.