By Adekola Afolabi

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Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has assured that the state will reclaim its rightful position in quality cocoa production in the country.

The Governor declared that the state is ready to work with relevant stakeholders for improved cocoa production and a better economy.

Governor Akeredolu spoke  while playing host to the State Cocoa Council delegation led by the Chairman, Dr. Olusegun Awolumate.

He said the time has come for the State to be recognized for what it is, just as he promised to work with the incoming administration of President-elect Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to achieve the desired results.

Arakunrin Akeredolu also urged the team to continue to sensitize and educate cocoa farmers on the need to be in tune with the current happenings and new hybrid cocoa seedlings so that they can enjoy the benefits.

Earlier, the chairman of the State Cocoa Council, Dr. Olusegun Awolumate,  appreciated Governor Akeredolu for inaugurating the Council in 2021.

He said that the Cocoa sector has the desired potential to become the lifeline of the state’s economy, as it did in the sixties during the defunct Western Region of Nigeria.

Awolumate informed the Governor of plans to construct Sunshine cocoa Tower in Akure.

He further promised continuous collaboration with critical stakeholders and implementation of necessary activities on the Ondo State Cocoa Bond Project while pursuing the proposed re-introduction of Regional Commodity Boards for strategic crops, including cocoa.