Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON has received the Award of Excellence for being the Most Supporting Governor of Cocoa Industry in Nigeria, from, Cocoa Association of Nigeria ( CAN ). The presentation was made as the Association held the event at International Culture and Event Center, The Dome, Alagbaka Akure on Wednesday evening.
Ondo State Acting Governor, Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa received the Award on behalf of Mr Governor, promising that, the Award would further motivate the State Government to continue performing it’s roles as expected despite the challenging task ahead.
All together, ten Awardees were recognized at the well attended Dinner and Award night.
Earlier in the day, while declaring open the National Workshop on Pesticide Usage in Cocoa and the Environment by Cocoa Association of Nigeria held in the same venue, Ondo State Acting Governor, Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa said, the State Government will continue to do everything legitimate to sustain the leading role of the State in Cocoa production in the country.
Aiyedatiwa disclosed that Cocoa revolution agenda in the State has become the envy of all and it has attracted substantial local and foreign investors.
He Commended the partnership between the State and Cocoa Association of Nigeria for bringing to the State, the multi-dimensional training to rejuvenate the knowledge of key actors in the Cocoa value-chain .
He said, diversifying the economy remains a priority of the present administration while assuring of government’s support to the development of farming, adding that, smart agriculture remains a priority of the present government.
Agriculture is a critical
sector of our economy and “our Cocoa revolution agenda in Ondo State has become the envy of all and it has attracted substantial local and foreign investors, not only to develop confidence in the industry, but to also partake of the sector in manner that has been mutually beneficial” , he said.
“I must say that, the feat we have achieved in the Cocoa Industry is only possible because of the immense support the State Government has enjoyed from our development partners including your highly esteemed body, Cocoa Association of Nigeria” .
The Acting Governor also disclosed that a lot has been done in the Cocoa sector and government is not relenting.
“To further demonstrate the commitment of the State Government to the Cocoa sector, the 9th Ondo State House of Assembly passed into law, a Bill for the establishment of Ondo State Cocoa Revolution and Management Agency and other matters incidental thereto 2023” .
“The Bill would make the State a leading producer of Cocoa in the Country, stimulate, promote and encourage farmers in the area of Cocoa farming” , he said.
While thanking the Association on behalf of Mr Governor for the Award, Aiyedatiwa said, Governor Akeredolu feels greatly humbled and appreciative of the recognition.
Earlier, the National Chairman of Cocoa Association of Nigeria, Mr Muftau Olayinka Bolarinwa charged members of the association on the need to do it right with Cocoa , both in quality and increase in production.
Speaking on behalf of the Awardees, the MD/CEO NEXIM Bank, Mr Abba Bello said “tonight, excellence has been rewarded in the Cocoa value-chain” .
While promising NEXIM Bank’s continuous support for the Cocoa value-chain, Bello charged on the need to go into processing of Cocoa products.
Others at the event are, Ondo State Commissioner of Agric and Forestry represented by the ministry Permanent Secretary, Mr Olugbenga Akingbasote, Senior Special Assistant to Governor on Agric and Agribusiness, Pastor Akin Olotu, Vice President, World Cocoa Producers, Mr Sayina R. Riman, Chairman Board of Trustees, Cocoa Association of Nigeria, Dr Iyama, Chairman, Cocoa Association of Nigeria, Ondo State chapter, Dr Olusegun Awolumate, Representatives of Federal Ministry of Trade, Commerce and Investments, Financial partners and others.
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