Abia Cocoa Produce Capable Of Sustaining Chocolate Factory – Emetu
Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, the deputy governor of Abia State, has expressed optimism that the cocoa farm in the state, at optimal produce, has the capacity of sustaining a chocolate factory.
The deputy governor made this known during a courtesy visit to his office by the Abia State Chapter of Cocoa Farmers Association. Chairman of the association, Mr John Kalu, in his speech, informed the deputy governor about a forthcoming event being the 2nd Annual Cocoa Festival in Nigeria which comes up on October 18 and 19, 2023. He stated that the highlight of the event would be the launching of $21.3 million earmarked by the United States Department of Agriculture through Lutheran World Relief aimed at enhancing the production of cocoa in Nigeria.
The Abia State Cocoa Desk Officer, Mr. Enoch Kalu Eke, further noted that 14 cocoa producing states were evaluated and that six of them were assessed and selected, placing Abia State at No 1 in the cocoa producing states ranking. He therefore emphasised the need for Abia State to fully participate in the event and be able to utilize every opportunity from the symposium towards improvement of cocoa production.
A press statement by Authority Michael Ukpabi, the Special Assistant (Media) to the Deputy Governor, noted that Engr. Emetu, in his response, thanked the members of the association for their visit, while congratulating the new Cocoa Desk Officer on his new appointment.
He restated Dr. Alex Otti’s commitment to given utmost attention to agricultural sector in the state, stressing that the administration would leave no stone unturned in reviving cocoa production and other cash crops with tremendous capacity to boost Abia’s Internally Generated Revenue. He promised government’s support to ensure that Abia farmers are not left behind.
Also at the meeting were the secretary of the association, Mr. Jude Odubuka Oduwayi, the treasurer, Dr Henry O. Ojiegbe and aides to the deputy governor.
Independent.ng
