***Expresses Confidence in Gov Akeredolu’s Strides on Cocoa Dev
The Ondo State cocoa Council has expressed absolute confidence in the state Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, on the development of Cocoa in the State.
Arising from its monthly meeting held in Akure on Thursday 2nd February 2023, Council members led by its Chairman Dr. Olusegun Awolumate condemned the media reports on alleged sales of Ondo State Sunshine Chocolate Factory, Alade Idanre.
“We are in full knowledge of the establishment and commissioning of the Chocolate Factory by Mr. Governor in September 2020. One of us, Mr. RoboAdhuze of blessed memory, worked with Mr. Eric Reid (Managing Director of Spagnvola Chocolate Company) and took over the running of the factory until his death in April 2022.”
“We are equally not unaware of the need to get an Investor to continue with the running of the factory for the production of the ‘IDAN CHOCOLATE BRAND’ and the due processesbeing observed.”
“We are now making this statement to affirm that there is no truth in the rumour gaining ground that the revered SSA Agric & Agribusiness, Pastor Akin Olotu,has decided to sell the factory for a pittance.”
“Ondo State Cocoa Council is solidly behind Mr. Governor on all moves to improve the cocoa value chain of Ondo State. IDAN Chocolate has come to stay and we shall continue to produce it at the Sunshine Chocolate Factory, Alade – Idanre.” The Council said
Ondo State Cocoa Council, is the umbrella body for all stakeholders in the entire Cocoa Value Chain in Ondo State.