Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has constituted the Ondo State Cocoa Revolution and Management Board as part of efforts to revitalise the cocoa sector and strengthen agriculture as a major driver of the state's economy.
The Governor's Chief Press Secretary, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday, saying the board was established to implement the administration's Cocoa Revolution Agenda.
According to the statement, the initiative is designed to increase cocoa production, improve the livelihoods of farmers, promote value addition across the cocoa value chain and restore Ondo's status as Nigeria's leading cocoa-producing state.
The statement explained that the board would coordinate policies relating to cocoa production, mobilise stakeholders, attract investments and drive innovation across 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 deploy their experience, integrity and expertise towards achieving the objectives of the board.
He also 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 newly inaugurated board would drive increased cocoa production, create employment opportunities, enhance the state's internally generated revenue and promote sustainable development in cocoa-producing communities across Ondo State.
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