Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has declared a state of emergency in cocoa production to ensure that the state maintains its position as the leading cocoa producing state in Nigeria.
The governor made the declaration when the Yoruba Patriot Movement (YPM), a socio-political group, paid him a visit in Akure on Friday.
He said, “It is true that most of our cocoa trees are ageing; we will bring different species of cocoa for re-planting to replace the ageing ones.
“This will revive the dwindling fortunes of cocoa in Ondo State and Nigeria in general. The state government is committed to revolutionalising cocoa production.”
Akeredolu called on farmers to embrace all-year round farming, saying this was a panacea to the food scarcity being experienced in the country.
“We have been clamouring for the country’s restructuring for a long time and this must remain our focus. We must ensure that we speak with one voice to attain our dream.
“We must give it whatever it takes to restructure Nigeria for good governance and the betterment of the nation,” he added.