By The Metro 
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has approved the constitution of the Ondo State Cocoa Revolution and Management Board as part of his administration’s efforts to reposition agriculture as a key driver of the state’s economy.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, saying the move aligns with the administration’s Cocoa Revolution Agenda aimed at boosting cocoa production, improving farmers’ livelihoods, enhancing value chain development and restoring Ondo’s position as Nigeria’s leading cocoa-producing state.
The board is expected to coordinate policies, mobilise stakeholders, attract investments and drive innovation across the state’s cocoa sector.
Members of the board are Mr Omolade Fabiyi, who will serve as chairman, Alhaji Taiwo Ayoade, Dr Jibayo Oyebade, Hon. Augustine Oloruntogbe, Akinbola Omolade Franklin and Tope Oni as members, while Anthony Omolakin will serve as secretary.
Governor Aiyedatiwa congratulated the appointees and urged them to bring their “wealth of experience, integrity, and commitment” to bear in delivering on the board’s mandate.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting cocoa farmers through improved seedlings, access to finance, extension services and modern processing facilities to boost productivity and profitability.
Aiyedatiwa expressed confidence that the Cocoa Revolution would create jobs, boost internally generated revenue and secure a sustainable future for cocoa farming communities across Ondo State.