The Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, has urged members of the state chapter of the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria (CFAN) to ensure that the cocoa sector contributes significantly to the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state.
The Deputy Governor issued this directive during a meeting with CFAN in his office in Umuahia, expressing disappointment over the actions of certain stakeholders within the industry.
He further reiterated the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of cocoa farmers in the state.
In his remarks, the state Chairman of CFAN, Mr. John K. Kalu, lamented the negative impact of middlemen on the industry and appealed to the state government to support cocoa farmers in maximizing benefits from the cocoa agricultural sector.
Mr. Kalu also expressed gratitude to Deputy Governor Emetu for his efforts to reposition the state’s cocoa industry. He further appealed to the state government to assist farmers in mapping out cocoa farms located in government reserves.
The event was attended by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze, members of CFAN, and other stakeholders.
