The Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has called for collective and innovative efforts from stakeholders in addressing the major challenges facing cocoa production in Nigeria, particularly in the areas of climate change, value chain inefficiencies, and poor succession planning
The governor said this on Wednesday at the Cocoa Association of Nigeria’s two-day National Cocoa Stakeholders’ Workshop in Akure the state capital.
The workshop, which was organised in collaboration with Lutheran World Relief, was themed ‘Deforestation-Free cocoa production and improved trade practices through adoption of sustainable national traceability: key to industry growth and development’.
Declaring the workshop open at the International Culture and Event Centre, Akure, Aiyedatiwa said, ‘As we convene to deliberate on this very apposite theme, we are reminded of Ondo State’s significant contributions to Nigeria’s cocoa production. Ondo State remains the leading cocoa-producing state in Nigeria, and we recognise the industry’s potential for economic growth, poverty reduction, and sustainable development’.
According to the governor, his administration had carried out several initiatives to support the cocoa sector in the state, which included ‘the provision of free improved seedlings and fertilisers, training and capacity-building for farmers, better access to markets and finance, and a strong push for sustainable agricultural practices’.
‘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.
‘To all participants, I charge you to engage meaningfully, share knowledge and chart a path forward for sustainable cocoa production. Let us work together to address the challenges facing our industry, capitalise on emerging opportunities and ensure the long-term sustainability of our cocoa industry’, he stated.
Earlier in his welcome address, the National President of the Cocoa Association of Nigeria, Muftau Abolarinwa, commended Ondo State for playing a leadership role in cocoa production and described the workshop as a platform for aligning Nigeria’s cocoa sector with international best practices.
He stressed the importance of embracing the national traceability system to improve market access, especially in the face of new global requirements on deforestation and sustainable sourcing.
In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Victor Iyama, expressed confidence in the potential of cocoa to significantly address Nigeria’s foreign exchange challenges.
Iyama noted that the structures currently being established serve as a clear roadmap toward a prosperous future for the industry.
