Ondo Governor highlights Cocoa’s potential for economic growth

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has affirmed the significant potential of the cocoa industry to drive economic growth, reduce poverty, and foster sustainable development within the state.

Aiyedatiwa made this declaration on Wednesday while inaugurating a two-day National Cocoa Stakeholders’ Workshop and Excellence Award Ceremony organized by the Cocoa Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Akure. The workshop was held in collaboration with Lutheran World Relief (LWR).

The governor called for concerted and innovative efforts to tackle the key challenges confronting cocoa production in Nigeria, particularly in the critical areas of climate change, inefficiencies within the value chain, and the pressing issue of poor succession planning within the sector.

The workshop’s theme, “Deforestation-Free Cocoa Production and Improved Trade Practices through Adoption of Sustainable National Traceability System: Key to Industry Growth and Development,” underscored the importance of sustainable practices.

Aiyedatiwa emphasized Ondo State’s leading role in Nigeria’s cocoa production and highlighted the various initiatives already implemented by his administration to bolster the sector. These include the provision of free improved seedlings and fertilizers, comprehensive training and capacity-building programs for farmers, improved access to vital markets and finance, and a strong emphasis on the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices.

The governor also acknowledged the significant challenges facing the industry, including environmental degradation driven by climate change, inefficient market systems, the prevalence of aging farms, and a lack of reliable data for informed decision-making.

“To address these challenges, we must work together to develop innovative solutions, leverage technology, and promote sustainable practices. We cannot afford to be left behind in the global cocoa value chain,” Aiyedatiwa urged.

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He charged all participants to engage meaningfully, share valuable knowledge, and collectively chart a sustainable path forward for cocoa production in Nigeria. “Let us work together to address the challenges facing our industry, capitalize on emerging opportunities and ensure the long-term sustainability of our cocoa industry,” he added.

Earlier in the event, the National President of the Cocoa Association of Nigeria, Mr Mufutau Abolarinwa, commended Ondo State for its leadership role and significant contributions to cocoa production in Nigeria.

Abolarinwa described the workshop as a crucial platform for aligning Nigeria’s cocoa sector with international best practices.

He stressed the critical importance of embracing the national traceability system to enhance market access, particularly in light of evolving global requirements concerning deforestation and sustainable sourcing.

In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Association, Dr Victor Iyama, expressed strong confidence in the potential of the cocoa industry to significantly address Nigeria’s current foreign exchange challenges.

Iyama noted that the structures currently being established provide a clear and promising roadmap towards a prosperous future for the industry.