Osun Speaker Commends Aregbesola On Cocoa Drive

Speaker, State of Osun House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Najeem Salaam has commended Governor Rauf Aregbesola for reinvigorating his interest in cocoa produce and other agro-allied businesses saying that Was a smart move for a state desires to boost its internally generated revenue.

Speaker Salaam made the statement in Ejigbo while addressing supporters of All Progressives Congress (APC), stressing that the only credible alternative now was to rejig agriculture in the state with a view to having a comparative advantage on the national table.

He said the state parliament under his watch would throw its weight behind the governor on his drive to push agriculture as a new frontier for revenue generation, asserting that the strive to put smile on the faces of the people would not be halted by global economic downturn with the new drive on agriculture.

Speaker Salaam then charged the rural dwellers to enhance their capacity on modern farming by engaging the officers of extension office and ministry officials, as he urged the officials of agric ministry to design a scheme that would facilitate a productive engagement between themselves and the farmers.

He further enjoined all adults in the state to fight unemployment with farming and agribusiness, saying the situation of things now has compelled the youth to have a rethink on white collar job, which is getting complicated by the shrinking industries and resources.

Signed:
Goke Butika
CPS to the Speaker

Economy Diversification: Aregbesola Set New Pace, Resurrects Ede Cocoa Processing Industry

Gov. Rauf Aregbesola During An Inspection Tour at the
Revived Cocoa Processing Industry In Ede, Osun State

Setting a new pace in the present administration of President Muhammadu's resolved to diversify the Nigerian economy, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has resurrected the dead cocoa industry in Ede, an anciat town in Osun State

Taking the Osun Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, round the company today, the Assistant General Manager of the partner company, Shanghai Golden Minkey Group, China, Ms Song Lin said the production capacity is now 20,000 tons per annum which was raised from the former 5,000 tons when they started with.

She revealed that the company is presently producing cocoa paste, adding that in no time, the organisation would commence the production of both cocoa powder and cake.

Ms Lin also affirmed that as soon as the company installs more facilities, the company would definitely jerk up its production capacity.

Gov. Rauf Aregbesola During An Inspection Tour at the
Revived Cocoa Processing Industry In Ede, Osun State

While acknowledging the management of the company for living up to the expectation, Governor Aregbesola expressed delight that a company that has been out of operation for the past fifteen years is now working perfectly.

He expressed satisfaction over the work so far. He said the state stands a chance of becoming a hub of cocoa production in the country.

He further said “From my projection, I want them to increase the strength of their production by consistently taking their production from liquid to power and cake”

Gov. Rauf Aregbesola Addressing Cocoa Farmers
Yesterday at their Farmland in Osun

“With this production, the name of our state will be on the map of the world as a centre of excellence in the processing of cocoa and other products.

“Though the maximum capacity of this plant when it was upgrade last in 2001 was 5, 000 tons but now it produces 20, 000 tons.

He expressed optimism that the revival of the cocoa company would support agricultural efforts and economic drive of government; as well as empower Osun cocoa farmers and merchants.