REINVIGORATING THE COCOA INDUSTRY & BREAKING ECONOMIC BARRIERS IN ONDO STATE
Prince Oriade Wellington Crown and his team recently paid a working visit to Kolawole community and others to preach about the Aiyedatiwa Agenda. The highlight of the visit centered on revitalizing the cocoa industry within Kolawole and other sister communities in order to kickstart a new agro revolution with the support of the Ondo State Government ably led by the dynamic Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. The request of the Chief Host dovetailed perfectly with some aspects of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s socioeconomic goals which are aimed at improving the economy and well-being of Ondo State and her citizens.
Ondo State has a rich history of cocoa production dating back to the 19th century. Once a thriving industry, cocoa production in Ondo State has faced significant challenges in recent years. Cocoa was first introduced to Ondo State in the 1800s by European colonizers. The region’s fertile soil and favorable climate made it an ideal location for cocoa production. By the mid-20th century, Ondo State had become one of Nigeria’s leading cocoa-producing states. However, the industry declined in the latter half of the 20th century due to factors such as pests, diseases, and lack of government support. As a valuable cash crop cocoa requires proper processing and drying of it’s wet beans as this is crucial to preserving their quality and flavor.
The Chief Host, Hon. Dr. Samuel Jibayo Oyebade thus made a passionate plea to the Ondo State Government to assist in revitalizing the cocoa industry in his community and others via several means such as:
1. Funding: Providing loans and grants to farmers for equipment and training.
2. Infrastructure: Building roads and storage facilities to facilitate transportation and storage. The state of the roads leading to several communities have been in a dilapidated state for many years which has had a cumulative negative effect on economic activities.
3. Training: Educating farmers on best practices for processing and preserving cocoa beans.
According to him, the subsequent benefits to farmers and communities may include:
1. Increased income: Higher-quality cocoa beans command better prices.
2. Job creation: Processing and drying facilities create employment opportunities.
3. Economic growth: A thriving cocoa industry stimulates local economies.
Responding, Prince Wellington Oriade Crown noted that truly the revitalization of the cocoa industry in Ondo State requires a collaborative effort between farmers, government, and other relevant stakeholders. As such he acknowledged that the Governor would be briefed about the challenges facing the communities in order to seek out ways of how best to restore the cocoa industry back to it’s rightful place as a foreign exchange earner. This, according to Prince Wellington Oriade Crown will help in bringing significant economic benefits to farmers and host communities.
Finally, Prince Wellington Oriade Crown assured the Chief Host and other community leaders present of the total commitment of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa towards their personal and collective welfare and development. With the gubernatorial election coming up, he said in order for the incumbent to deliver on his promise of creating and sustaining the Ondo State of their dreams he needed more time to deliver on his mandate to the citizens of the Sunshine State hence there is no room for the PDP in Ondo State going by their deplorable antecedents.
Roll call:
Hon. Dr. Samuel Jibayo Oyebade (Chief Host)
Leaders of the community:
Baale Folasele Adebayo Akioju Koseomi community
Chief Adefiyiju Joseph
(Kolawole community)
Chief Lobosin Boluwaji Akinnnubi (Kolawole community)
Names Of Other Communities Visited:
Obada
Olorunsogun
Bolorunduro
Koseomi
Sopoto
Oladapo
Solomon
Mayogee
E-Signed:
Prince Wellington Oriade Crown
