Aiyedatiwa seeks united front to tackle cocoa production challenges
By Tolulope Adeyefa
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has called for urgent collective action and innovation to tackle the growing challenges facing cocoa production in Nigeria, as he declared open the National Cocoa Stakeholders’ Workshop and Excellence Award Ceremony in Akure on Wednesday.
The two-day event, themed “Deforestation-Free Cocoa Production and Improved Trade Practices Through Adoption of Sustainable National Traceability System: Key to Industry Growth and Development,” was organised by the Cocoa Association of Nigeria (CAN) in collaboration with Lutheran World Relief (LWR).
Speaking at the opening session held at The Dome, Governor Aiyedatiwa described the workshop as timely, stressing the urgent need to strengthen the cocoa industry in the face of environmental, structural, and demographic threats.
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“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,” he stated.
The governor pointed the challenges confronting the sector, including climate change, inefficient market systems, aging farm populations, and a lack of reliable data for planning. He urged all stakeholders to work together to proffer long-term solutions that will ensure the survival and global competitiveness of Nigeria’s cocoa industry.
“To address these challenges, we must work together to develop innovative solutions, leverage technology, and promote sustainable practices,” Aiyedatiwa said.
The governor also outlined ongoing efforts by his administration to revitalise the sector. These include the free distribution of improved seedlings and fertilizers, capacity-building programmes for farmers, improved market access, and policies promoting environmental sustainability.
In his welcome address, the National President of the Cocoa Association of Nigeria Mr. M.O. Abolarinwa, commended Ondo State for taking the lead in cocoa development. He emphasised the need for Nigeria to align with international best practices by embracing a national traceability system that meets new global sustainability standards.
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Victor Halim Iyama, Chairman of the CAN Board of Trustees, expressed optimism that a reformed cocoa sector could significantly contribute to resolving Nigeria’s foreign exchange crisis. He described the traceability initiative as a clear roadmap to a more prosperous future for the industry.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Federal Government, Hajara Usman, who represented the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to revitalising the cocoa industry under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The workshop will continue on Thursday with more interactive sessions, as stakeholders, experts, and farmers come together to proffer solutions to challenges in the Nigeria’s cocoa industry.
