Aiyedatiwa unveils Cocoa Board to drive Ondo’s agricultural renaissance
By Julius Alabi, Akure
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has approved the constitution of the Ondo State Cocoa Revolution and Management Board as part of efforts to reposition agriculture as a major pillar of the state’s economy.
The move, announced in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, underscores the administration’s commitment to revitalising the cocoa sector and restoring the state’s leadership in cocoa production in Nigeria.
According to the statement, the establishment of the Board aligns with the government’s Cocoa Revolution Agenda, which is designed to boost cocoa production, improve farmers’ livelihoods, and strengthen the entire value chain within the sector.
The government noted that the initiative would also attract investments, enhance processing capacity, and promote sustainable practices capable of driving long-term growth in the cocoa industry.
The newly constituted Board is expected to coordinate policies, mobilise stakeholders, and introduce innovative approaches that will transform cocoa production across the state.
Members of the Ondo State Cocoa Revolution and Management Board include Mr. Omolade Fabiyi as Chairman, alongside Alhaji Taiwo Ayoade, Dr. Jibayo Oyebade, Hon. Augustine Oloruntogbe, Akinbola Omolade Franklin, and Tope Oni as members while Anthony Omolakin will serve as Secretary of the Board.
Governor Aiyedatiwa congratulated the appointees on their selection and charged them to justify the confidence reposed in them by bringing their wealth of experience, integrity, and dedication to bear on the assignment.
He emphasised that the Board has a critical role to play in actualising the administration’s vision of making agriculture a key driver of economic development and job creation in the state.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s readiness to support cocoa farmers through the provision of improved seedlings, access to finance, extension services, and modern processing facilities.
He added that these interventions are aimed at increasing yield, improving product quality, and enhancing the profitability of cocoa farming in Ondo State.
Aiyedatiwa expressed optimism that the Cocoa Revolution initiative would not only create employment opportunities but also boost the state’s internally generated revenue.
He further stated that the programme would ensure a sustainable future for cocoa farming communities while positioning Ondo State as a dominant force in Nigeria’s cocoa industry once again.
