Ondo State governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, has given reasons for his administration’s resolve to establish a chocolate factory in the state, even as he declared that the dream of making the project a reality has come true.
Dr Mimiko made the declaration while inspecting the ongoing Chocolate Factory project at Alade, in Idanre Local Government Area of the state, on Thursday.
He explained that government embarked on the project because of the state’s comparative advantage in cocoa production.
The governor’s team inspected the chocolate factory at Alade, Atosin Golf course in Idanre and the ongoing magistrates’ court at Oke Eda in Akure.
Speaking with newsmen after the inspection, Mimiko said government is on course in establishing the chocolate factory as part of his administration’s cocoa revolution programme.
He noted that with the chocolate factory, cocoa farmers will be able to reap all benefits of cocoa production, adding that the factory would produce premium chocolate not only for the Nigerian markets but across the globe as well as provide jobs.
Speaking on the ongoing construction of magistrates’ court in Akure, the governor explained that when completed, the facilities would further uplift the status of judiciary as well as enhance quick dispensation of justice in the state.
He commended the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Olasehinde Kumuyi, for his vision and assured of successful completion of the project.
It will be recalled that the Commissioner for Information, Mr Kayode Akinmade, in company with the Chairman, Ondo Cocoa Revolution Project, Dr Jibayo Oyebade, had informed newsmen at a media parley that, as part of cocoa revolution drive, the state government had identified Cocoa Catalytic factory at Idanre as suitable for Chocolate factory, maintaining that it will soon become operational.
“By the grace of God, there will be functional chocolate factory in Ondo State soon. The factory will utilise and process cocoa bean produced in the state and our technical partner is an internationally recognised chocolatier who is an expert in the field,” Akinmade had mentioned.
The Chairman of the Revolution Project, Dr Oyebade explained that chocolates are of immense health value for both the young and old.