The Minister of Agriculture and Water Resources, Dr. Sayyadi Abba Ruma has applauded the efforts of the 14 Cocoa producing states towards boosting cocoa production.


According to the Minister, it was a deliberate effort to put the nation on a sound economic footing.


The Minister who was represented at the National Conference for Cocoa Farmers Field School (FFS) held at Osogbo, Osun State by the Secretary to the Sustainable Cocoa Development Committee (SCDC), Mrs. Kehinde Ajao made the commendation in his goodwill message to the occasion.


According to the Minister, concerted efforts made to make cocoa a major foreign exchange earner in Nigeria was very timely and heart-warming, given the prevailing global recession.


Since agriculture and food security form integral part of the Federal Government “Seven Point Agenda”, the Minister assured of continued support to cocoa farmers in Nigeria.


While noting that, no sacrifice was too much to consolidate the economic base of the country, he commended organizers of the conference and expressed optimism that, participants would avail themselves of the benefits.


In separate goodwill messages, Host Deputy Governor, Erelu Olusola Obada, and Akwa-Ibom State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Ekaite Okon and the Country Manager, Sustainable Tree Crops Programme, Dr. Chris Okafor expressed satisfaction with the level of progress made in developing the cocoa industry.


In his remark, Edo State Deputy Governor, Pius Egberanmwen Odubu assured that, cocoa production would be taken to greater height.