By Chris Nomjov
The Ondo State government has announced plans to commence production of cocoa, to make chocolate that is internationally worthy, hygienic, nourishing and outstanding; soon.
Governor Olusegun Mimiko disclosed this, while speaking at a gala night/dinner organised for participants of the National Defence College (NDC), Abuja, Course 24, as part of activities rounding off their week long geo-strategic tour of the state.
He said group-farmers will get stock brokers and thus market their products in Nigerian stock exchange with the aim of branding cocoa in a globally acceptable way.
Mimiko added that plans will soon be concluded to ensure cocoa from the state gains commodity pricing and value at the Stock Exchange Market.
He expressed confidence that the state will soon be recognised globally in its cocoa revolution and will in turn assist in repositioning Nigeria to its position in cocoa production among comity of nations.
It would be recalled that cocoa produced in the state for chocolate production had received world certification and recognition. In June 2015, the state cocoa Revolution Project won a Silver award at the Academy of Chocolate Award, held in London.
Also, cocoa produced in the state has received rare reviews in America and other parts of the world. Ondo State cocoa remains the only Chocolate award winner from West Africa that produces 75% of global Cocoa Bean output.
The latest rare move by the Governor of Ondo State over collaboration with Korean company to build over 1000 mw electricity in the State occur at the time when Ondo state and Nigeria experiencing acute shortage Electricity supply while the nation population is growing at progression rate. . If the plan come to fruition there is no doubt Ondo State would become one of the state in the country to consider for any foreign investment to strive. The state location is a plus and the low crime rate among other would boost industrialization in the state and Nigeria at large. The State Government security should work more aggressive to ensure that the perennial criminal activity is contained as most kidnap ,Bank robbery in recent time were committed by people from other part of the country collude with local criminal should be eradicate d . History shows that sunshine state used to be a very peaceful place. Therefore Calling on the people living in the state to becomes neighbors watch ambassador and by report any strange activities to the nearest law enforcement agencies just one cellphone call would reduce incidence of criminal rate in the state and the country at large. Lastly no nation develop without a technical edu cation and vocational institution so government at all level should embrace technical education by making it number one priority . In any developed nation technical professional make up middle class citizen. Outsource such skill is detriment to the country economic growth,and development.. Kudos to Governor Mimiko , and the entire people in the State. A s for cocoa production there was no time Ondo state not in the forefront leader of the cash crop but the only problem is lack of leadership will to adding value which i think Mimiko administration demonstrates to beat every odds, and putting Ondo state among global major player chocolate produced state.