Ondo State Cocoa Council, an umbrella body for all stakeholders in the entire Cocoa Value Chain has expressed absolute confidence in Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu on the development of cocoa in the State.
Arising from its monthly meeting held in Akure council members led by its Chairman, Dr. Olusegun Awolumate condemned the media reports on alleged sale of Ondo State Sunshine Chocolate Factory, Alade-Idanre.
We are in full knowledge of the establishment and commissioning of the Chocolate Factory by Mr. Governor in September 2020. One of us, Mr. Robo Adhuze of blessed memory, worked with Mr. Eric Reid (Managing Director of Spagnvola Chocolate Company) and took over the running of the factory until his death in April 2022.
We are equally not unaware of the need to get an Investor to continue with the running of the factory for the production of the ‘IDANRE CHOCOLATE BRAND’ and the due processes being observed.
We are now making this statement to affirm that there is no truth in the rumour gaining ground that the Senior Special Assistant on Agric & Agribusiness, Pastor Akin Olotu, has decided to sell the factory for a pittance.
Ondo State Cocoa Council is solidly behind Mr. Governor on all moves to improve the cocoa value chain of Ondo State. Idanre Chocolate has come to stay and we shall continue to produce it at the Sunshine Chocolate Factory, Alade – Idanre.”
