Cross River to become highest cocoa producer ― Ayade’s Aide

The Special Adviser to the Governor of Cross River on Cocoa development and control, Oscar Ofuka, has said following the ongoing cocoa revolution in the state, the state will soon become the largest cocoa producer in Africa.

Ofuka made this disclosure over the weekend in Abuja while reacting to an award of honour given to him by the Niger Delta Development ICON Merit Award (NDDIMA).

He, however, appealed to the government to prioritise agriculture, noting that it can help boost the economic growth of the nation.

“Our challenge is not just Ondo, we want to take over from Cote D’Ivoire as the highest producer of cocoa of the world.

“You know the oil waves are gradually drying up and the price of oil is also falling. There is a need for Nigeria to return to agriculture and when we talk about returning to agriculture first we must understand that agriculture was the first occupation of man but unfortunately, it was relegated during the discovery of oil.

“So I think that if more emphasis is placed on agricultural development especially the cash crops like cocoa, Nigeria earnings from the federation account would have increased, our gross domestic product would have increased and foreign exchange we are looking for would increase.

“And of course, this will cut down on external borrowing because a nation that borrows can never succeed, a nation that relies on earnings from things like the oil sector alone can never succeed,” he said.

He noted that the Cross River State government, under the Governor, Professor Ben Ayade is developing a new gold which is cocoa.

“This is the major reason while you see industries springing in Cross River. Among the over 30 industries that have been established, one of the most viable, most sustaining, most rewarding and most impressive industries is the Cocoa processing factory which has created a lot of jobs for the teeming youths,” he added.

YOU SHOULD NOT MISS THESE HEADLINES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE

Buhari Urges MTN For Quality Service, Downward Price Review In Cost Of Data, Other Services

President Muhammadu Buhari Friday at State House Abuja urged the MTN Group to make the available top-of-the-range service to its Nigerian subscribers…  Cross River to become highest cocoa producer  ;  Cross River to become highest cocoa producer  ;  Cross River to become highest cocoa producer  ;  Cross River to become highest cocoa producer.