By Sunday Ameh
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has constituted the Ondo State Cocoa Revolution and Management Board as part of efforts to revitalise the state’s cocoa industry and strengthen agriculture as a key driver of economic growth.
The Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday, saying the board would spearhead the implementation of the administration’s Cocoa Revolution Agenda.
According to the statement, the initiative is aimed at boosting cocoa production, improving the livelihoods of farmers, promoting value addition across the cocoa value chain and restoring Ondo State’s position as Nigeria’s leading cocoa-producing state.
The board is also expected to coordinate policies on cocoa production, mobilise stakeholders, attract investments and promote innovation within the sector.
Aiyedatiwa appointed Mr Omolade Fabiyi as Chairman of the board, while Alhaji Taiwo Ayoade, Dr Jibayo Oyebade, Hon. Augustine Oloruntogbe, Akinbola Omolade Franklin and Tope Oni will serve as members. Anthony Omolakin was named Secretary.
The governor congratulated the appointees and urged them to bring their experience, integrity and expertise to bear in advancing the objectives of the board.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting cocoa farmers through the provision of improved seedlings, access to finance, extension services and modern processing facilities.
Aiyedatiwa expressed confidence that the board would stimulate increased cocoa production, create employment opportunities, boost the state’s internally generated revenue and promote sustainable development across cocoa-producing communities in Ondo State.
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