The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun says his administration has fulfilled all listed pre-conditions necessary for a mega lift in the cocoa support initiatives for Cocoa farmers and stakeholders.

          Abiodun revealed this in Abeokuta while giving his keynote address at the Second Cocoa Farmers' Day Celebration, organised by Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria (CFAN), which witnessed participation of farmers in 13 cocoa producing states in Nigeria and other stakeholders.

          He stated that part of the proactive steps taken were, evaluation of all cocoa producing sites in the State, free distribution of over 100,000 improved cocoa seedlings to farmers and provision of land for prospective investors in primary production.

          The Governor, represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Adeola Odedina applauded the integrity and professionalism of CFAN in the Anchored Borrowers’ Programme, saying documentation of additional candidates, off-takers and processors have been submitted to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to enable them access needed assistance and intervention that would restore the lost glory in cocoa sector.

          Also speaking, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Muhammad Abubakar, represented by the Federal Director of Agriculture, Mrs. Karima Babangida, noted that the Ministry had carried out different intervention programmes for cocoa farmers, such as free distribution of improved cocoa seedlings, cocoa solar collapsible dryers, procurement of insecticides to farmers, collaboration with Cocoa Research Institute to assist cocoa farmers, among others.

          He urged cocoa farmers to continue to improve in their productivity, to enhance their livelihood, assuring them of government’s continued support.

          "I urge you to continue to contribute meaningfully to increase cocoa production, to move cocoa farming to an enviable level, in order to improve livelihood of farmers and other actors in the cocoa value-chain. We have taken note of your challenges, concerns and suggestions, you can be rest assured that the Ministry will continue to support you and your association", he assured.

          Earlier in his address, the National President, CFAN, Comrade Adeola Adegoke, said the choice of Ogun State for the celebration was borne out of the friendly cocoa economy atmosphere created by the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun which he said has attracted investors to the State.

          The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, represented by Osi Egba, Chief Bode Mustapha, advised the farmers who have benefitted from soft loans through various government intervention programmes, to refund such, as soon as they harvest their crops, describing the refund as their "certificate of integrity" that would earn them more opportunities in the future as "nothing kills business like borrowing without paying back."