Emetu Reaffirms Otti’s Commitment to Cocoa Farmers, Promises Support for Traceability Laboratory
Abia State Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to agricultural development and the welfare of cocoa farmers, assuring the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria (CFAN), Abia State Chapter, of continued support for initiatives aimed at improving cocoa production and market value.
Emetu gave the assurance on Friday, October 23, 2026, when the leadership of CFAN paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Umuahia, to present a report on its participation in the First International Conference of the Cocoa and Coffee Farmers Alliance Association of Africa (COCEFAAA), held at NECA House, Lagos, from October 7 to 8, 2026.
The deputy governor also welcomed the association’s report on a commitment by Mr. Nene Akwetey-Kodjoe, Chief of Party of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)-supported Lutheran World Relief TRACE Project, to support the establishment of a cocoa traceability laboratory in Abia State.
The proposed facility is expected to help cocoa farmers meet international traceability and quality standards, particularly those required for exports to the European Union and other international markets. It would also facilitate quality testing and certification within the state, address the underpricing of Abia cocoa and improve its competitiveness in the global market.
Emetu commended the association for its commitment to promoting cocoa farming and for representing Abia State at the international conference. He expressed appreciation to the farmers for presenting a detailed report of their participation and a letter of appreciation to Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, assuring them that the letter would be delivered to the governor for his attention.
He also promised that a formal letter of appreciation would be sent to Akwetey-Kodjoe in recognition of his commitment towards the proposed laboratory.
The deputy governor described leadership under the Otti administration as a responsibility and a call to service rather than a position of privilege, stressing that the government remained committed to working with credible associations and development partners to advance the state’s development agenda.
He praised CFAN for maintaining a constructive relationship with the state government and assured the association that the administration would continue to support efforts to develop cocoa farming and improve farmers’ welfare across Abia.
Earlier, the Abia State Chairman of CFAN, Chief John Kalu, thanked Governor Otti for sponsoring 10 cocoa farmers to attend the conference and for sending the deputy governor to represent the state at the event.
Kalu said Abia’s participation enhanced the state’s visibility and demonstrated the government’s commitment to agricultural development.
He disclosed that the delegation acquired valuable knowledge on cocoa traceability, climate-smart agriculture, value addition and advocacy for a $6,000 floor price for cocoa.
According to him, the association would share the knowledge gained with cocoa farmers across the state to improve their production practices and enable them to benefit from opportunities in the international cocoa market.
The CFAN chairman requested that the state government facilitate a meeting between the association and the TRACE Project team to discuss the proposed laboratory, including land requirements and implementation arrangements.
He said the association’s report recommended that the Abia State Ministry of Agriculture be designated as the focal ministry for the initiative, alongside the establishment of an effective collaboration framework involving the government, CFAN and the TRACE Project team.
Kalu maintained that the proposed laboratory would be an important step towards improving the quality, traceability and commercial value of cocoa produced in Abia State.
Also speaking, the Coordinator of the Women Association of Cocoa Farmers, Mrs. Ugochi Ogasanya, expressed gratitude to the state government for supporting the delegation’s participation in the conference.
Ogasanya said the support had encouraged the farmers and appealed for its continuation to enable them to expand cocoa production and contribute more significantly to agricultural development in the state.
In a separate appreciation message, CFAN commended Governor Otti for sponsoring the delegation and facilitating the deputy governor’s participation in the conference, describing the support as a demonstration of the administration’s interest in repositioning agriculture as a driver of economic growth.
The meeting underscored the importance of collaboration among the Abia State Government, cocoa farmers and development partners in strengthening agricultural value chains, improving farmers’ earnings and enabling locally produced cocoa to compete more effectively in international markets.
Present at the meeting were the Director of Protocol (Political) in the Office of the Deputy Governor, Elder Gideon Onwunyi; the Cocoa Desk Officer in the Abia State Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Obinna Wankpa; and other members of the association.
