Abia Backs Cocoa Farmers, Sponsors 10 For Global Conference

The Abia State Government has sponsored 10 cocoa farmers to attend a world convention and pledged continued help for initiatives geared toward bettering cocoa manufacturing, farmers’ earnings and entry to international markets.

The authorities’s dedication was highlighted on Friday when Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu obtained the management of the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria (CFAN), Abia State Chapter, at Government House, Umuahia.

During the assembly, the affiliation counseled Governor Alex Otti for sponsoring its 10-member delegation to the First International Conference of the Cocoa and Coffee Farmers Alliance Association of Africa (COCEFAAA), held at NECA House, Lagos, from October 7 to eight, 2026.

The delegation additionally appreciated Emetu for representing the state on the convention, describing the federal government’s participation as an illustration of its dedication to agricultural growth.

Presenting the affiliation’s report, CFAN State Chairman, Chief John Kalu, stated the delegation acquired data on cocoa traceability, climate-smart agriculture, worth addition and advocacy for a $6,000 ground value for cocoa.

He stated the affiliation would share the data with cocoa farmers throughout Abia to enhance manufacturing practices and assist them profit from alternatives within the worldwide cocoa market.

Kalu disclosed that Mr Nene Akwetey-Kodjoe, Chief of Party of the United States Department of Agriculture-supported Lutheran World Relief TRACE Project, had dedicated to supporting the institution of a cocoa traceability laboratory in Abia.

The proposed facility is anticipated to assist farmers meet worldwide high quality and traceability requirements, facilitate native testing and certification, handle the underpricing of Abia cocoa and enhance the state’s competitiveness within the international market.

Responding, Emetu counseled CFAN for selling cocoa farming and sustaining a constructive relationship with the state authorities.

He assured the affiliation that the Otti administration would proceed to collaborate with credible agricultural teams and growth companions to advance farming and enhance farmers’ welfare throughout the state.

The deputy governor additionally promised to ahead the affiliation’s letter of appreciation to Otti and ship a proper letter to Akwetey-Kodjoe in recognition of his dedication to the proposed laboratory.

Emetu described management as a accountability and a name to service, stressing that the federal government remained dedicated to partnerships that help the state’s growth agenda.

However, Kalu appealed to the federal government to facilitate a gathering between CFAN and the TRACE Project group to debate land necessities and different preparations for establishing the laboratory.

The affiliation additionally advisable that the Abia State Ministry of Agriculture function the focal ministry for the mission, supported by a proper collaboration framework involving the federal government, CFAN and the TRACE Project group.

Kalu stated the laboratory would enhance the standard, traceability and business worth of cocoa produced in Abia, probably creating higher alternatives for native farmers in worldwide markets.

Also talking, Ugochi Ogasanya, Coordinator of the Women Association of Cocoa Farmers, thanked the state authorities for sponsoring the delegation and appealed for sustained help to assist girls cocoa farmers broaden manufacturing and contribute to agricultural growth.

The assembly highlighted the significance of presidency funding, institutional help and partnerships with growth organisations in strengthening Abia’s cocoa worth chain and bettering farmers’ incomes.

Those current included the Director of Protocol (Political) within the Office of the Deputy Governor, Elder Gideon Onwunyi; the Cocoa Desk Officer within the Abia State Ministry of Agriculture, Mr Obinna Wankpa; and different members of the affiliation.