By Fatima Muraina

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Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria CFAN, has called on all stakeholders in the cocoa  sector to make use of the National cocoa festival to bring back the lost glory of the crop to boost the economy of the country.

The National President of the Association, Mr Adeola Adegoke stated this  during a chat with The Hope in Akure, the Ondo state capital.

Adegoke said  the association will be organising the National cocoa festival  in Akure. He disclosed that the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, will lead stakeholders in the  sector to discuss sustainable ways to boost the cocoa industry value chain.

While stating that the country has lost its leading role and now at the sixth position, Adegoke said  regaining its earlier position  is still achievable, if cocoa potential are well utilized giving it the necessary priority  before the advent of crude oil.

He stated that the crop can improve the economic situation of the country at this particular time when the country is looking into areas to diversify its economy .

According to him, cocoa has been the major crop which adds value to the nation’s economy, facilitating many developmental projects like the cocoa building at Ibadan among several others before  shift to crude oil.

He siad the event would be organized in collaboration with Ondo State Government, FMARD, FMITI , Harvestfield Industry Limited, CRIN, Ondo State Cocoa Council and the Ooni of Ife Outreach.