Ondo state Acting Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa says the state will continue to sustain its leading position as the largest cocoa producing state in Nigeria.
Aiyedatiwa made the remark while
declaring open the National Workshop on Pesticide Usage in Cocoa and the Environment by Cocoa Association of Nigeria held at International Cultural and Event Center, The Dome.
He noted that Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s administration was passionate about the cocoa industry, stressing that the state house of Assembly had passed into law a bill for the establishment of Ondo state cocoa revolution and Management agency
Aiyedatiwa disclosed that Cocoa revolution agenda in the State has become the envy of all and it has attracted substantial local and foreign investors.
He Commended the partnership between the State and Cocoa Association of Nigeria for bringing to the State, the multi-dimensional training to rejuvenate the knowledge of key actors in the Cocoa value-chain.
He said, diversifying the economy remains a priority of the present administration while assuring of government’s support to the development of farming, adding that, smart agriculture remains a priority of the present government.
Agriculture is a critical
sector of our economy and “our Cocoa revolution agenda in Ondo State has become the envy of all and it has attracted substantial local and foreign investors, not only to develop confidence in the industry, but to also partake of the sector in manner that has been mutually beneficial” , he said.
“I must say that, the feat we have achieved in the Cocoa Industry is only possible because of the immense support the State Government has enjoyed from our development partners including your highly esteemed body, Cocoa Association of Nigeria” .
The Acting Governor also disclosed that a lot has been done in the Cocoa sector and government is not relenting.
“To further demonstrate the commitment of the State Government to the Cocoa sector, the 9th Ondo State House of Assembly passed into law, a Bill for the establishment of Ondo State Cocoa Revolution and Management Agency and other matters incidental thereto 2023” .
“The Bill would make the State a leading producer of Cocoa in the Country, stimulate, promote and encourage farmers in the area of Cocoa farming” , he said.
While thanking the Association on behalf of Mr Governor for the Award, Aiyedatiwa said, Governor Akeredolu feels greatly humbled and appreciative of the recognition.
Earlier, the National Chairman of Cocoa Association of Nigeria, Mr Muftau Olayinka Bolarinwa charged members of the association on the need to do it right with Cocoa , both in quality and increase in production.
Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu was honoured at the occasion as the best supporting Governor of Cocoa Industry in Nigeria for 2022.
