As part of efforts geared at reviving the nation’s economy, President Bola Tinubu has been urged to prioritise and support the revolution of cocoa because of its potential to create millions of jobs and generate billions of dollars in revenue.
A socio-political group gave the charge, Yoruba Elites in Politics, said the cocoa industry has the potential to boost Nigeria’s economy and reduce poverty.
According to a statement signed by its national president, Comrade Olaposi Oginni, the group maintained that the cocoa sector will help the Tinubu-led government achieve its goals of economic recovery and poverty reduction.
Oginni also urged the Federal Government to encourage local processing of cocoa, the development of value-added products and support the “Cocoa Revolution” initiative of the group which will be launched across the six South-West states.
While congratulating the president on his Supreme Court victory, he also urged the government to engage key stakeholders in opposition parties in the recovery process of the country.
Oginni argued that promoting large production of cocoa and supporting farmers would help revive the economy and strengthen the country’s currency.
He said: “To strengthen our currency and to revive our economy, emphasis on cocoa evolution is important. The Yoruba Elites are ready to encourage and mobilise 10,000 young cocoa farmers to return to the farm. We are calling on the president to look at how we are going to support these young farmers.
“This is our focus, and we are calling on the support of Mr President and all the government in South-West states to join us on this laudable project.
“It is not too late for us to restart again. Nigeria can be great again, Nigeria can work again through this cocoa revolution from South-Western Nigeria.”
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