By our Reporter
Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, Governor of Ondo State, has constituted the Ondo State Cocoa Revolution and Management Board as part of efforts to reposition agriculture and strengthen the state’s status as Nigeria’s leading cocoa-producing state.
The Governor said the constitution of the board aligns with his administration’s Cocoa Revolution Agenda, which is aimed at increasing cocoa production, improving the livelihoods of farmers, promoting value chain development, and attracting investments into the sector.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, the board will coordinate policies, mobilise stakeholders, drive innovation, and facilitate investments to transform the state’s cocoa industry.
Mr. Omolade Fabiyi was appointed 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 of the board.
Governor Aiyedatiwa congratulated the appointees and urged them to deploy their experience, integrity and expertise toward achieving 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 to enhance productivity and profitability.
The governor expressed confidence that the newly inaugurated board would play a pivotal role in creating jobs, boosting the state’s internally generated revenue and ensuring sustainable growth for cocoa farming communities across Ondo State.
The Cocoa Revolution and Management Board is expected to spearhead the implementation of the state’s cocoa development agenda as Ondo seeks to consolidate its position as a major player in Nigeria’s agricultural economy.
