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NEXIM Bank unveils online cocoa platform for Africa

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Lagos, Jan. 12, 2024: The Nigerian Export-Import Bank has unveiled an online portal tagged ‘cocoaconnectafrica.com,’ to create market linkage among farmers, aggregators, and buyers in the cocoa value chain in Africa.

Mr Abubakar Bello, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, NEXIM Bank, made this announcement on the sideline of one-day International Cocoa and Chocolate Forum 2024, on Thursday in Lagos.

Mrs Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, the Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperative, Trade and Investment, inaugurated the portal at the event.

The conference was organised by the International Cocoa Diplomacy in partnership with NEXIM Bank.

Bello said  the portal would enable all stakeholders within the cocoa value chain to interact freely irrespective of the location, region or country, once registered on the portal.

He said the portal could be accessed on any device anywhere in the world.

Bello added that the portal would empower everybody in the value chain and get people closer to what they are looking for in cocoa ecosystem.

He said the portal would not only be beneficial in the main stream value chain.

He added that the portal would become available to all stakeholders immediately.

“Our plan is to double, triple, quadruple cocoa production in Nigeria. This will be the new thinking for us to get to that renewed hope.

“The whole essence of this portal is to bring market place as well as a resource centre in one place. We wanted to consolidate everything into one portal.

“When a buyer or a processor is looking for certain type of product, a certain variety of cocoa, from any part of the country or outside the country, the buyer know exactly where to go and how to reach that aggregator or farmer directly.

“It will also cut out middlemen since the main stakeholders are able to talk to each other directly on the same portal.

“Everybody involved in the cocoa sector can register and have a page on the portal to showcase their business and services.

“Buyers can reach out to farmers directly because their information will be displayed on it, also goggle map will identify the location of the farm foe traceability,” he said.

The portal has a market place where members can display their products and equipment.

Bello noted that portal would also serve a job creation platform that provides job opportunities for people seeking to be employed.

The portal will also serve at information disseminating platforms on the latest development, trends, and issues on the cocoa value chain weekly,” he said.

There is also a learning hub where videos will be uploaded on how to harvest your cocoa bean head and so on.

:We will be working with cocoa research institutions on documents and information that are of interest to farmers.

Speaking further, the NEXIM boss said that trade is all about knowing what is available and what is not.

He said that many Africans don’t even know what is available in the next country, thus creating a market gap.

“It is about somebody who has product meeting somebody who is interested in buy the product.It is about connection, it is about market information.

“In Europe, 65 per cent of their trade is done within EU, with neighbours. In Asia and Americas, it is about 45 per cent, while South America is about 40 per cent.

“In Africa, the statistics are not even stable, some will say 16 per cent, some will say less.

“When you remove Natural resources like oil and gold, it drops to about two per cent.

“Is it because the people in Benin Republic does not want to but from us or the people in Ivory Coast.

“The biggest problem that Africans have is market information. Africans don’t even know what is available in the next country.

“One of the things we want to do is to bring people on to the same platform. That was the whole thinking to now put all the stakeholders on one platform foe different commodities.

The one we inaugurated today is for cocoa, we are doing same for cashewand a few others. They will be inaugurated soon, “ he said.

Bello said that the idea was to have a chain of cluster. Today, everything is done digitally, so why should our trade still be lagging behind and we are still using email and other old avenue.

“What we are saying is that create a platform where everybody can log in and find what they want from your home, office, bedroom.

“It is not only to connect people, there is learning, research, product information and videos. All for learning.

“We are not doing it for profit we are doing it as one of our facilitation,” he added.

The commissioner congratulated the Co-Founder of the programme, Oba Dokun Thompson for bringing all the stakeholders together to discuss and find solutions to cocoa value chain.

She said that portal would be a transformation platform that transcends.

“I stand here today on behalf of Mr governor and am happy to launch the cocoaconnectafrica.com, a transformation platform that transcends and I am delighted to declare it open,” she said.

cocoa-farmers

Cocoa landlord communities get royalties

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Cocoa landlord communities in Etung Local Government Area of Cross River were in a joyous mood on Friday, as the state government commenced payment of royalties to them.

The traditional rulers, stakeholders and indigenes of the communities were excited with the development during a stakeholders’ Town Hall Meeting in Ikom.

The rents/royalties being paid to Etung cocoa landlord communities were for the parcels of land donated to the state government by the communities to raise cocoa plantations.

Speaking at the meeting, Special Adviser to Gov. Ben Ayade on Cocoa Development, Dr Oscar Ofuka, said that the governor was passionate about paying the rents/ royalties owed the landlords as he had promised earlier.

He debunked the rumours making the rounds in some quarters that government had refused to defray the debts owed the cocoa landlord communities.

According to him, the Ayade-led administration is ready to go the extra mile to ensure that the administration puts an end to the issue of debts owed the landlord communities.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Oliver Orok, appealed for calm, stressing that the strategy used to defray the debts remained the best.

Orok maintained that the strategy provided an opportunity for the beneficiaries to decide whatever formula to be used in sharing their monies to them.

On his part, Chairman of Cocoa Landlord Communities in Etung council area, Mr Njar Ngor, confirmed receiving an alert of N12.5 million from the state government.

Ngor, while calling for unity and peaceful co-existence among members of the landlord communities, said that they must learn to trust one another, especially those saddled with specific responsibilities.

“As a committee set up by our people, our mandate was to make recovery of rent/royalties owed the cocoa landlord communities by the state government for the land they occupied.

“Many had accused us falsely of collecting money and embezzling it.

“I worked with the Federal Government for 35 years and retired meritoriously, without stealing. Is it from my community that I will now steal?” he queried.

Ngor noted that the money was trickling in into his account and more was still expected, saying that it would put to rest the allegations leveled against the committee by some members of the communities.

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CRIN moves to bridge input gap in Cocoa production

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In its bid to bridge the input gap in Cocoa production in Nigeria, the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) has presented certificates to trained Cocoa nursery operators and seed entrepreneurs.

The event was organised in Ibadan on Tuesday by CRIN, in partnership with the Foundation for Partnership Initiative in the Niger Delta (PIND).

In his remarks, the Executive Director, CRIN, Dr Patrick Adebola, said that the institute ventured into its maiden training of nursery operators and seed entrepreneurs as a crucial step to meeting the needs of Cocoa farmers and upscaling its production.

“The starting point in Cocoa value chain is having good quality planting materials, which will bring high yield.

“And it would be resistant to pests and diseases, as well as input, which would be early bearing and this would translate into more production of Cocoa in the country.

“The significance of this event is all about helping our farmers to get good planting materials anywhere they need it and as and when due.

“There are about 300,000 Cocoa farmers in Nigeria, but CRIN cannot reach all the farmers at once and provide them with what they need, planting materials.

“This, hence, our partnership with PIND to train the nursery operators and certified them, so that they can complement what CRIN is doing to reach the farmers in the hinterland,” Adebola said.

The CRIN executive director charged the certified nursery operators to utilise the knowledge gained and ensure quality Cocoa seedlings are produced and distributed to farmers.

Also, the Executive Director, PIND, Mr Tunji Idowu, represented by Mr Chuks Ofulue, the Advocacy Manager of the organisation, appreciated CRIN for allowing the organisation to partner with it to proffer solutions to some of the challenges identified in Cocoa production.

Idowu said that having done thorough research and assessment, it was discovered that there were a lot of potential within the Cocoa value chain that could provide jobs, increase revenue and ensure food security.

In their various goodwill messages, Dr Abiodun Adedeji, Director, Cocoa Programme; Dr Moses Ogunlade, Director, Production and Substation and Dr Anna Muyiwa, Head, Crop Improvement; urged the trainees to adhere to CRIN standards and best practices in production seedlings.

Also, Dr Festus Olasupo, a Cocoa Genetics and Breeder, also the Facilitator of the training, said that 40 nursery operators started the journey, but only 14 made it and qualified for the certificates received.

Responding on behalf of the trainees, Mr Emeka Emmanuel, appreciated the organisers for the opportunity which he said had made them, who are roadside nursery operators, to become trained and certified nursery operators.

Emmanuel said they have been adequately equipped to help Cocoa farmers throughout Nigeria to have access to hybrid quality seedlings.

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Cocoa firm rewards farmers

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A cocoa company, Barry Callebaut Nigeria, has unveiled a reward initiative to celebrate farmers with high level of commitment in promoting sustainable cocoa farming in the country.

The Managing Director of the company, Mr Adriaan Verbeke, said this in a statement on Sunday in Lagos.

Barry Callebaut Nigeria is world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products.

Verbeke said that the company would be offering a premium to cocoa farmers under its Cocoa Horizons programme to improve their livelihood.

He said that the company would pay an additional premium totaling N26 million under the programme for deliveries of sustainable cocoa beans in Ondo and Cross River states during the 2021/2022 season.

Verbeke added that the programme would be extended to other regions of the country.

“This significant initiative is in line with the objectives of our cocoa horizons programme aimed at improving the livelihoods of cocoa farmers and their communities.

“This is through the promotion of sustainable, entrepreneurial farming, improved productivity, and community development.

“Through the cocoa horizon, Barry Callebaut will continue to work closely with local farmers on how to improve their yields, shun cocoa farming activities in protected areas and support “zero child labour” programmes,” he said.

Verbeke said that over 1,000 farmers in Akure and Ikom recently participated in awareness-raising training courses which addressed critical child labour.

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Osinbajo, others to chart path towards sustaining cocoa industry

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The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, will lead stakeholders in the agricultural sector to discuss sustainable ways to boost the cocoa industry value chain in the country at the 2022 National Cocoa Festival.

The festival, would be organized by the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria, in collaboration with Ondo State Government , CAN , FMARD , FMITI , Harvestfield Industry Limited , CRIN ,Ondo State Cocoa Council and the Ooni of Ife Outreach.

The festival is scheduled to take place in Akure in Ondo State with the theme ‘Sptakeholders’ Collaboration to Make Nigeria Cocoa Industry Sustainable,’.

The festival’s repositioning the cocoa industry to boost revenue at the state and federal levels.

The Managing Director, Harvestfield Industries Limited, Prince Martins Awofisayo, will give the keynote address.

There will be a launching of the Yoruba version of the Cocoa GAP Handbook and the launching of the establishment of the Cocoa Academy Centre at the event.

The event will also have in attendance all commissioners for agriculture of all cocoa-producing states, all directors of produce of cocoa producing states, representatives of cocoa exporters and representatives of the cocoa stakeholders in Diaspora .

Others include the The National President, Confederation of Commodities Association of Nigeria, The President, Cocoa Association of Nigeria & Members.

National President of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria and International Cocoa Sustainability Stakeholders.

Organisations expected at the event include the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Nigerian Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) NIRSAL and Bank of Agriculture.

cocoa-production

Cocoa farmers tasks Nigeria, SON on pesticides regulation

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Cocoa farmers in Cross River have charged the Federal Government to prohibit the fake and substandard pesticides from entry the country.

The farmers under the umbrella body, Cocoa Association of Nigeria (CAN), Cross River chapter, gave the charge on Tuesday while fielding questions from newsmen in Calabar.

Mr Ejor Bissong, CAN chairman in the State, said all the government needed to do is to set up task force to this effect.

He noted that if possibly, cocoa producers should be prevented from having access to the pesticides which impacts negatively on the quality and tonnes of cocoa produce.

The association also urged Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) to ban pesticides which quality had been known to be sub-standard.

He also said effort must be made to ensure that these pesticides does not find their ways into Nigeria market.

Bissong stressed the need to maintain standard and quality cocoa beans known to be of great impact at the international cocoa market.

He said that if cocoa beans produced by farmers in the country were of better grade, there is likelihood for the price per tonne to increase.

“Good quality beans remains a major determinant of good price,” he stated.

“CAN members should get copies of approved standards made available by SON. Right methods of application of pesticides like the European Union (EU) standard or even the Japanese standard should be adopted.

“Accredited laboratories are available for determining the true quality of cocoa.

“Policy makers must be encouraged to come up with legislations that are friendly to our case,” he stated.

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FG Inaugurates National Cocoa Management committee to regulate activities

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  The Federal Government on Tuesday inaugurated the National Cocoa Management Committee (NCMC), to tackle some of the challenges being encountered in the Cocoa Sector.

Speaking at the inauguration of the 11-man Committee on National Cocoa Management, in Abuja, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Mohammad Abubakar,  said the essence of the Committee was to develop strategies to solve these challenges to move the Cocoa industry forward.

” Some of the challenges being encountered in the Cocoa Sector include Pest and diseases, logistics such as rural roads and infrastructure.

” Also, old Cocoa plantations, ageing of our Cocoa farmers, processing, access to finance, environmental concerns such as deforestation, climate change and absence of a National Coordinating body,” he said.

The minister said the event was the culmination of enormous collective efforts including a recent visit by the officials of  the Ministry to Ghana to study the implementation of Living Income Differential (LID).

” Ghana and Cote d’ Ivoire introduced the Living Income Differential (LID) as a premium on their cocoa and as tool to complement their prices of cocoa in international market.

 “The purpose of this is to increase the share benefits received by cocoa farmers in these Countries.

” In order to work out modalities for Nigerian cocoa farmers to start benefitting from this initiative like their counterparts in Ghana and Cote d’ Ivoire.

” The committee has the following Terms of Reference: The NCMC shall develop a framework for the regulation and monitoring of the activities of the Cocoa sector to make the industry more transparent.

” The NCMC shall develop a strategic plan towards the establishment of a

Nigerian Cocoa Board.

” The NCMC, as an important regulatory body in the Nigerian Cocoa sector shall upscale their activities to all cocoa producing states.

” The NCMC shall organise and conduct a national conference (of) for Commissioners of Agriculture from 36 states and FCT to sensitise them on the importance of LID and efforts of the Federal Government towards ensuring that our small holder cocoa farmers also enjoy the benefit like Ghana and Cote ‘Ivoire.

” The NCMC shall develop Local, State and Federal Government strategic implementation plan of the National Cocoa Management Committee.

” The NCMC shall develop a Nigerian charter towards joining the Ghana/Cote d’Ivoire initiative.

” The NCMC shall establish data bank for all Multinational Companies and Exporters of Cocoa Beans from Nigerian Ports.

“One of your immediate tasks is to come up with an urgent draft charter for the operations of NCMC which will enable an Executive Bill to be forwarded to the National Assembly for legal backing.

” So as to meet the demand of joining the Ghana/Cote d’Ivoire initiative to deliver Living Income Differential (LID) of $400/ tonne, which will in turn improve the livelihood of our small holder Cocoa farmers in the Country,” he said.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development,Dr Ernest Umakhihe, expressed delight to be part of the inauguration of the committee.

” This is in line with the present Administration’s policy on diversification of the Nigerian Economy from the oil to the non-oil Sector of which Agriculture is playing a major role,” he said. Umakhihe said the ministry is looking forward to robust and practicable recommendations, which if implemented would not only increase the productivity of the Cocoa farmers but would also enhance the quality and value addition to the Nigerian Cocoa Sector.

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Ayade seeks increased cocoa production to enhance revenue

Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River says increased production of cocoa will improve revenue generation in the country.

Ayade stated this on Wednesday at the inauguration of Cocoa House in Ikom, the commercial city of the state.

Represented by Mr Alphonsu Ogar, State Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Ayade said that Nigeria needed to seek alternative sources of revenue.

He said that with the dwindling fortune of crude oil, cocoa was an available revenue lifeline for the nation

The governor stated that agriculture was the mainstay of the nation’s economy before the discovery and exploration of oil.

”We are aware that the agriculture sector can strongly support the economy, that is the reason the governnment is investing in cocoa production.

“The inauguration of the Cocoa House is a testimony of our belief in the economic power of agriculture,” he said.

In his remark, Mr Ejor Obi, Chairman, Cocoa Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Cross River, expressed the association’s commitment to support increased cocoa production in the state.

“We shall support efforts to improve the local cocoa production in the state. We are aware of its economic value and benefits,” he said.

Earlier, Mr Godwin Okwu, CAN Zonal Vice President for Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Rivers States, described the Cocoa House as a good initiative.

He said that the facility will provide a world-class hospitality for extra-ordinary calibre of visitors to the state.

“It is actually a first step in the package we are offering to investors first, and the general public.

“It provides seamless blend of tourism and business in the best exquisite way possible,” he said.

Okwu further said that the cocoa economy was currently operating at less than 40 per cent capacity at farm level in the state

“It is operating at less than 50 per cent in marketing and 0 percent in manufacturing level,” he said

He said that Cross River cocoa economy had the potential to sustain the state’s economy if well-tapped into.

The zonal vice president urged the state government to provide 20 hectares of land to enable the association raise a cocoa a seed garden and a demonstration farm.

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Firm vows to create, boost value of cocoa production in Nigeria

The Outspan Nigeria Limited has promised to create as well as boost cocoa production in Cross River and the country in general.

The Principal Officer of the firm, Mr Aaron Chibueze, stated this during the flag off of Cocoa seedlings and shades trees distribution in Ikom, Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River on Sunday.

The distribution of the seedlings kicked off in the presence of government’s officials who were part of firm’s Community and Social Responsibility (CSR).

Chibueze explained that the aim of the project was to sustain the organization objective to create value for farmers globally and increase their benefits.

According to him, “The seedlings we are distributing are the latest variety, reputed for a shorter cultivation period with increased yield.

“We are assuring you that we are committed to helping farmers in areas of their needs while up-taking some of their responsibilities.

“We will assist you in anyway we can to ease your burdens as way of helping your farms to grow.”

Mr Christopher Kudemepo, Outspan Nigeria Limited Operarions Cordinator of CRS, said the firm have also be involved in other projects as part of their corporate responsibility in communities they operate.

He said that the company has granted scholarships to many farmers children, built some social infrastructure in some communities and many other forms of assistance to farmers.

Kudemepo said the distribution of the seedlings was in line with the mandate to boost Cocoa production and called on farmers to raise their cocoa quality through the new variety.

Also speaking, Mr Ejor Bisong, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) who is also a farmer, commended the initiative of the company.

He encouraged farmers to maximise the opportunity in order to improve on their farm businesses.

On his part, the Special Adviser to Gov. Ben Ayade on Cocoa Development and Control, Dr Oscar Ofuka, said the State Government under Governor Ayade has created an enabling environment for farmers through his agro-industrial policies.

The State Chapter Chairman of Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria (CFAN), Ntufam Orji, who commended farmers for their hard work, added that without them, there will be no business in cocoa.

He said the Outspan Nigeria Limited, hold farmers in high esteem by giving them ample support to improve their cultivation and assured of CFAN’s continuous assistance.

The event which held at the Company’s demonstration farm at Otere, Ikom, attracted farmers from Ikom, Boki, Etung Local Government Areas and stakeholders in the Cocoa farming.

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Cross River distributes100,000 cocoa seedlings to farmers

The government of Cross River on Thursday distributed 100,000 improved cocoa seedlings to farmers in the Southern Senatorial District of the State.

Flagging-off the distribution in Calabar,  Prof. Ivara Esu, Deputy Governor of  Cross River said the Central Senatorial District of the state has always been known to be the centre of cocoa cultivation in the state.

He said what Dr. Oscar Ofuka, Special Adviser to the Governor on Cocoa Development has done was to prove to everyone that the southern part of the state has one of the most arable land in the state suitable for cocoa farming.

Represented by Mr Asuquo Ekpenyong Southern Senatorial Candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Esu encouraged the people of the southern part of the state to go into cocoa farming, build capacity and even export.

“We have always known cocoa to thrive in the central to the north from Ikom, Etung, Boki down to Obudu Local Government Areas

“But today the SA to the governor has proven that cocoa can be cultivated in the south even in Calabar Municipality that is urban, imagine how well it would thrive in rural settings in the senatorial districts.

“We must encourage the people of the southern senatorial district especially the youths to go into cocoa farming, build capacity and make themselves green millionaires,” he noted.

Similarly, His Royal Majesty, Morris Eyo, President Calabar South Traditional Rulers Council said it was a thing of joy that the cocoa development programme has been brought to the Southern Senatorial District.

While thanking Gov. Ben Ayade for his industrialisation drive in the state, he appealed to whoever takes over as governor come 2023 to continue in the good work of the governor in the industrialisation of Cross River.

On his part Ofuka, noted that cocoa like other cash crops funded Nigeria after the independence until oil was discovered and the nation left agriculture.

He said today, the state has a governor who believes in agriculture and who is trying hard to diversify the economy with much emphasis on cocoa.

“After enhancing cocoa cultivation in the  Central and Northern Senatorial District, we have beam our searchlight to the south that has a very friendly climate and soil that is even better than other parts of the state.

“Cocoa is the new gold in Cross River, I challenge the people of the Southern Senatorial District to take up the cultivation of cocoa.

“The time has come for us not to rely on earnings from the federation account, in fact cocoa should be treated as Cross River’s new oil well.

“The criteria for getting the seedlings is owning a farm and having a passion for cocoa cultivation, we do not want people that will just take the seedlings and dump them somewhere without care,” he maintained.

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