……..Proposed facility to improve cocoa quality, boost farmers’ earnings and unlock international markets.
FIC REPORT (ABIA STATE) – Abia State Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Governor Alex Otti-led administration to supporting cocoa farmers and strengthening the state’s agricultural value chain, as efforts intensify to establish a cocoa traceability laboratory in Abia.
Emetu gave the assurance when the leadership of the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria (CFAN), Abia State Chapter, paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Umuahia, to present a report on the association’s participation in the First International Conference of the Cocoa and Coffee Farmers Alliance Association of Africa (COCEFAAA), held at NECA House, Lagos, from October 7 to 8, 2026.
The Deputy Governor commended the association for its commitment to cocoa production and constructive engagement with the state government, describing leadership under the New Abia Agenda as a responsibility anchored on service and development.
“In the New Abia, leadership is not a chieftaincy title; it is a call to service and a call to duty. We are committed to carrying that responsibility and working with credible associations and stakeholders to move our state forward,” he said.
Emetu assured the delegation that its letter of appreciation would be delivered to Governor Otti for his attention. He also pledged to facilitate a formal letter of appreciation to Mr. Nene Akwetey-Kodjoe, Chief of Party of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)-supported Lutheran World Relief TRACE Project, in recognition of his commitment to supporting the proposed establishment of a cocoa traceability laboratory in Abia.
He expressed optimism that sustained collaboration among the state government, cocoa farmers and development partners would strengthen agricultural value chains, improve farmers’ livelihoods and enhance the competitiveness of Abia-produced cocoa in domestic and international markets.
The Deputy Governor reiterated the administration’s readiness to maintain a productive partnership with CFAN, stressing that credible initiatives capable of advancing farmers’ interests and promoting the state’s agricultural potential would continue to receive government attention.
“The government of Abia State, ably led by my boss, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, will continue to maintain a productive partnership with CFAN. Whenever you approach us with credible initiatives that will help you represent the state well and advance the interests of our farmers, we will continue to work with you,” he stated.
Earlier, the Abia State Chairman of CFAN, Sir John Kalu, expressed appreciation to Governor Otti for sponsoring a 10-member delegation to the international conference and ensuring the Deputy Governor’s participation.
Kalu said Abia’s representation at the conference raised the state’s profile and demonstrated the administration’s commitment to agricultural development.
He disclosed that participants gained valuable insights into cocoa traceability, climate-smart agriculture, value addition and advocacy for a $6,000 floor price for cocoa.
According to him, the association plans to disseminate the knowledge acquired at the conference to cocoa farmers across the state to improve production practices, raise product quality and position farmers to benefit more from opportunities in international markets.
Kalu identified the proposed cocoa traceability laboratory as a major outcome of the conference, explaining that the facility would help local farmers meet international quality and traceability requirements, including standards relevant to exports to the European Union and other markets.
He noted that access to local quality-testing and certification services could help address the underpricing of Abia cocoa, improve its commercial value and strengthen the state’s position in Nigeria’s cocoa industry.
The CFAN chairman appealed to the state government to facilitate a meeting between the association and the TRACE Project team to discuss the proposed laboratory, including land requirements and implementation arrangements.
Also speaking, the Coordinator of the Women Association of Cocoa Farmers, Mrs. Ugochi Ukasoanya, thanked the state government for supporting the delegation’s participation in the conference.
She appealed for sustained government assistance to enable women cocoa farmers to expand production, improve their livelihoods and contribute more significantly to Abia’s agricultural development.
Among the recommendations contained in the association’s report were the designation of the Abia State Ministry of Agriculture as the focal ministry for the initiative and the establishment of a structured framework for collaboration among the state government, CFAN and the TRACE Project team.
Present at the meeting were the Director of Protocol (Political) in the Office of the Deputy Governor, Elder Gideon Onwunyi; the Cocoa Desk Officer in the Abia State Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Obinna Nwankpa; and other members of the association.
Amah Ijeoma
FIC Correspondent office of the Deputy
Governor
23/10/2026
