Ondo Police Command Arrests Oba-elect, Four Others Over Illegal Installation Of Monarch

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May 8, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The Obaship tussle at Ijare in Ifedore local government areas of Ondo state has taken another dimension as Adekolajo Aladeseyi who has been parading himself as Oba elect, was arrested by the state police command.

He was reported to have along with some people, declared himself as the Olujare of Ijare.

Four other persons from the community that aided his installation process were also arrested.

The police and the Ondo State Government have declared the installation process illegal and fraudulent, as it did not follow the required laws and procedures.

The stool of the Olujare, a first-class monarch, had been vacant since the demise of Oba Adebamigbe Oluwagbemigun, Kokotiri II, four years ago.

Some kingmakers in the town and the royal family had kicked against the installation, alleging that they were never part of the selection process as required by law.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olutokunbo Afolabi confirmed the arrest, stating that it was necessary to prevent a breakdown of law and order in Ijare.

He said the suspects would be charged to court in accordance with the law, following an order from the State Government to prevent violence in the area.

Tax Reform Bill: Senate Rejects Tinubu’s Plan To Hike VAT, Defund TETFUND

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James Orji

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May 8, 2025

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Godswill Akpabio - Senate President — Godswill Akpabio, Senate President.

The Nigerians Senate has rejected the 10 percent proposition in the Tax reform Bill sent to the Assembly by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The upper chamber insist that the current 7.5 percent must be maintained.

The senators rejected the 10 percent VAT proposed by the president after they passed the Bill, sent to the National Assembly last December by the president.

The bill has been trailed with serious controversy as it has polarised the country. along regional lines, the major opposition came from the North which claimed that the region will be shortchange in the new tax regime.

The Senate however passed the Tax Bill on Wednesday, containing four tax reform bills which are the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (SB. 583); the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment) Bill, 2025 (SB. 584); Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 2025 (SB. 585); and Nigeria Tax Bill 2025 (SB. 586).

Apart from the rejecting increase in VAT the Senate also rejected the idea of phasing out funding for Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFUND, National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, and National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, NASEN.

The Senate rather introduced a four per cent development levy to from which the Agencies will be funded, after it noted that the agencies are necessary for human development ans should not be scrapped.

Recall that the major Academic Unions in the country, had kicked against the scrapping of the TETFUND, saying the state of infrastructure in Nigeria’s Higher Institutions will worsen if the agency is scrapped as had been proposed by the president.

“These agencies of government are essential for human capital and overall economic development of the country,” the Senate said yesterday, adding that ‘phasing out their funding can lead to stagnation in education and the country losing out in technological evolution and advancement.”

The Senate: “The bill retained the funding of TETFUND, NASENI, NITDA, Cyber Security and NELFUND from the Development levy using the following sharing formula: Tertiary Education Trust Fund, 50%; Nigerian Education Loan Fund, 15%; National Information Technology Development Fund,- 10%; National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure 10%; National Cybersecurity Funds – 5%; and Defence Security Funds,- 10%.”

On VAT, the Senate said, “The Bill retains the current VAT rate of 7.5%, and proposes for VAT input to be allowable on all items such as: fixed assets, overhead cost and administrative services.”

The House of Representatives had earlier in March passed the Bill. Both Chambers will now have to meet for concurrence before the Bill is sent to the president for his assent.

Jonathan: One Party System Recipe For ‘Crisis’

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James Orji

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May 8, 2025

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Nigeria’s former President Goodluck Jonathan has cautioned against the adoption of a one-party state in the country.

The former leader disclosed that the system may not work for the country unlike other countries which have practised it.

Jonathan spoke on in Abuja, the nation’s capital while delivering a lecture in honour of the late elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark.

Pa Clark, the leader of PANDEF the magazine recalls died in February this year, and has been receiving tributes from not a few Nigerians.

Speaking on the state of the nation, Jonathan said some countries have successfully practised one-party system, he however said Nigeria may not be ripe enough, warning that trying to force the system on the country will be dangerous for her fragile democracy.

“Yes, a one-party state may not be evil after all, because Julius Nyerere of Tanzania used a one-party state to stabilise his country in the early days of independence,” Jonathan said.

“He felt that the country, just like Nigeria, had too many tribes and tongues, and two principled religions—Christianity and Islam. If we allow multiple parties, some may follow religious lines, others tribal, and unity will be difficult. But it was properly planned; it was not by accident.

“If we must, as a nation, adopt a one-party system, then it must be designed, planned by experts—and we must know what we are going in for. But if we arrive at it through the back door by political manipulations, then we are heading for crisis.

“Probably, in a country like Nigeria, it’s better we allow the system to stay as it is.

“But if for some reason we must adopt a one-party system, then it should not be accidental. It should not come through political manipulation.”

Jonathan’s remark comes amidst recent fears that some opposition leaders are being forced t joined the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

The magazine reported that dozens of People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Labour Party, members have defected to the ruling party recently, with many others gearing up to dump their current party for the APC before the next general election.

In Delta state, for instance, the governor, Sheriff Obovrewori, his deputy, his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa and 21 state House of Assembly members have all defected to the APC from the PDP.

More opposition leaders, including state governors, the magazine learned are set to decamp to the ruling party, in what critics described as a desperate move to survive the political upheaval in the country.

Meanwhile, the ruling APC has dismissed the fear, saying defection is normal in constitutional democracy, denying suggestions that opposition leaders are being forced to join the party.

“Abure Is A Clown In Search Of A Crown” – Gov Otti

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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May 8, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Abia state Governor has described his purported suspension by the Julius Abure faction of the National Working Committee, NWC, of the Labour Party, as joke taking too far, as well as a huge slap on democracy and rule of law in the country.

The Source reports that the Abure LP faction had earlier on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, slammed an indefinite suspension on Governor Otti, and others, citing alleged anti-party activities as a major reason.

But in a swift reaction Wednesday evening, Governor Otti, described Abure as “a clown, desperately in search of a crown.”

In a statement issued by Ferdinand Ekeoma his Media Aide, Governor Otti insisted that Abure is no longer the National Chairman of the LP by virtue of the April 4, 2025 Supreme Court Judgment that sacked him from office.

The Governor berated Abure for chasing shadows, instead of responding to the allegations of gross financial recklessness leveled against him.

Following is the full text of Governor Otti’s response to his purported suspension.

ALEGGED SUSPENSION OF GOVERNOR ALEX OTTI: ABURE IS A CLOWN IN DESPERATE SEARCH OF A CROWN

“The attention of His Excellency, the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has been drawn to the news of his purported suspension alongside other eminent leaders of the Labour Party from the Party by the former National Chairman of the Party, Julius Abure.

“The statement by Abure and his gang of commedians is not only a joke taken too far, but an affront on democracy by a group of inconsequential irritants who are desperate to use Governor Otti’s name to advance their self serving economic agenda.

“For the records, the highest court in the land, the Supreme Court of Nigeria, has rightly and unambiguously stated that Julius Abure is no longer the National Chairman of Labour Party. The judgement which is in agreement with the Constitution of Labour Party, and formed the basis for the setting up of the Senator Nenadi Usman-led National Caretaker Committee stripped Abure of every authority to parade himself as the National Chairman of the Labour Party.

“Just few hours after being summoned by a Committee set up by the Senator Nenadi Usman-led National Caretaker Committee to come and respond to allegations of gross misconduct bordering on financial misappropriation,impersonation and anti Party activities levelled against him, Abure decided to be smart by half by rushing to the press to announce the purported suspension of Governor Otti and other eminent members of the party.

“We enjoin Nigerians to disregard Abure’s laughable statement and continue to see him and his co-conspirators as a group of clowns in desperate search of a crown they do not deserve.

“Finally, we call on the Inspector General of Police to quickly arrest Mr. Abure for impersonation, while INEC should ensure full implementation of the Supreme Court judgement as a way of preserving the integrity of the Supreme Court and protecting our democracy.

Ferdinand Ekeoma

Special Adviser to the Governor

(Media and Publicity)

May 7, 2025

19 Persons Kidnapped, As Pirates Hijack Three Boats In Rivers State

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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May 8, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Palpable fears, on Wednesday May 7, 2025 pervaded Rivers State, as Government and Security Agencies were yet to react to the hijack of three boats and the abduction of no fewer than 19 persons by sea pirates.

This is just as the Maritime Workers Union appealed to the Rivers Sole Administrator to ensure the safety of the State’s Waterways.

Eye witness accounts said that some gunmen dressed in Military camouflage ,on Tuesday afternoon, kidnapped 19 passengers aboard three boats, along the Isaka River in Okirika Local Government Area of the State.

According to them, while one of the boats was headed for Bonny Island, two others were traveling to the Cawthorne Channel area in Bille, Degema Local Council when they were attacked by the hoodlums.

With the police and other security agencies not forthcoming with information about the incident, Israel Pepple,Rivers State Chairman of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria MWUN, while confirming the attacks, on Wednesday, also informed that goods worth several millions of Naira were lost to the pirates.

He explained that about 13 persons were involved in one of the boats, while six others together with goods were seized from another boat.

“With the information we gathered, it was 13 persons, with the driver that were involved in one boat. The other boat going to Bonny, with goods, and six persons were kidnapped, in addition to the 13, making it 19” the MWUN Chairman stated

He expressed deep concern over the nonchalant attitude of Government ,and other relevant authorities towards protecting the State waterways.

According to him, there have been incessant attacks and kidnappings along the waterways of recent, with no concrete steps on the part of the authorities to control the situation.

Pepple, who is in charge of the Port Harcourt Commercial District of the MWUN, lamented that the insecurity on the waterways has been impacting negatively on their businesses.

He warned that the Union may be forced to withdraw their services in the face of the persistent abduction of their members.

“Like we said last time, we may have no other option than to withdraw our services because the whole thing is becoming like a routine action such that as they are releasing the victims with them, they, the pirates, will be coming for another set of people.

“It is more or less, a business for them (the pirates). So ,I think that the Union will go into a meeting, and whatever our decision is, we will implement it .

“We are most likely to down tools, if that is the only way to attract Government attention to our plight . Imagine that just between 2.00 pm and 6.00 pm three boats and 19 persons were kidnapped ,with goods hijacked” Pepple lamented .

Borno: Zulum Fingers Security Personnel In Criminal Activities

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Ayodele Oni

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May 8, 2025

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Professor Babagana Zulum, Borno State governor

By Ayodele Oni

Following an increase in social vices in Borno State, Governor Babagana Zulum, has announced a ban of the sale of alcoholic contents in the State.

This is coming as the governor also attributed rising crime and anti-social vices in Maiduguri, the state capital and its environs to the involvement of Military personnel and other security forces.

Zulum, who announced the ban while inaugurating the newly reconstituted committee tasked with the “revocation of illegal hotels, brothels, shanties, and criminal hideouts and curbing the menace of antisocial vices,” said if the state is to get rid of insurgency, terrorism and other sorts of criminalities, the ban on alcohol must be in place.

Zulum said; “I am happy to know that army officers are here, especially the military, police, and others are here because most of these activities were committed by whom?

“Some of them are dismissed army officers, dismissed security officers, current army officers, men and officers, including civilians.

“So, there should be no sacred cow in this matter, if we want the Maiduguri metropolis and indeed the state to get rid of insurgency, terrorism and other sorts of criminalities.”

The governor also accused both former and serving security personnel of fostering criminal behaviour, radicalism, prostitution, and other vices, which he noted exacerbated terrorism threats across the state.

While empowering the committee with a renewed mandate, Zulum stressed the need to rid Maiduguri and its surroundings of criminal elements and social decay, adding that the ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol was a response to the increasing prevalence of cultism, rival gang clashes, prostitution, drug abuse, thuggery, and theft, incidents that have resulted in significant loss of lives and property.

Members of the committee included representatives of the military, police, Civil Defence Corps, and the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) in its operations.

Defence Minister: “Unpredictable Tactics By Terrorists Incapacitate The Military

By

Ayodele Oni

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May 8, 2025

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Mohammed Abubakar Badaru - Minister of Defence

By Ayodele Oni

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has explained that the current security challenge is not as a result of lack of firepower on the side of the Military, but rather the unpredictable tactics used by terrorists.

The Minister, during a ministerial press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, also said that the terrorists are often aided by informants within local communities.

He refuted claims that terrorist groups wield superior fire power over the country’s armed forces, and insisted that the Nigerian military possessed far superior weapons and technology than any terrorist group.

He also refuted remarks made by members of the House of Representatives recently.

The Lawmakers had expressed concerns over the strength of terrorist factions, following a recent attack on a military installation in Giwa, Borno.

They had described the incident as evidence that Boko Haram insurgents were better equipped than the Nigerian troops tasked with tackling them.

In his reaction, the Minister, emphasised that the challenge laid more on the insurgents’ irregular warfare tactics rather than military inferiority.

“Yesterday, the House of Representatives said that the terrorists have better weapons than us.

“That is absolutely not true. We have much more sophisticated weapons and we have much more sophisticated drones.

“The issue is, this war is not a conventional war. It’s like a guerrilla war. They watch us, they have informants around us.

“They help the people that we try to protect, and they give them information, then they jump at us the way we don’t expect when they know that our surveillance mechanism is watching other directions.”

On the use of drones by terrorist groups, Badaru clarified that terror groups were using modified civilian drones and not weaponised or military-grade variants.

He assured that the military was doubling its intelligence efforts both locally and internationally to track and cut off their supply sources.

While providing update on domestic defence production, he noted that the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) was gradually ramping up local production.

“Out of 53 companies operating within the complex, 10 have already begun producing military-grade hardware, including drones, aircraft components, and protective gear. Most of them are at various stages of constructing their factories.

”About 10 of these companies have already commenced production, including the manufacturing of drones, aircraft components, personal computers, helmets, safety vests, and other equipment.

“We are targeting at least 20 companies to be operational by the end of the year, and by next year, we aim to begin exporting. We are working to see if we can sustain a section in Ajaokuta that will support our efforts to make DICON more vibrant.

Earlier, the minister of information, Mohammed Idris, pleaded with the Media to stop giving undue publicity to the activities of terrorists.

“The media, as gatekeepers and partners in nation-building, have a crucial role to play in supporting our military’s morale by highlighting their successes and sacrifices. Our armed forces are not only respected by global allies but also feared by those who threaten our collective peace.

“It is equally important to recognize that the fight against insecurity is not limited to kinetic approaches. It is also a battle for the hearts and minds of our people – one that terrorist groups are actively exploiting through propaganda, especially on social media platforms.

“I therefore call on our media professionals and editors to be discerning in their reportage. We must deny these groups the undue publicity they crave.

“We must take them off the front pages and accurately report them as the criminals they are, without glorifying their acts or giving credence to their false narratives. These are not freedom fighters; they are murderers, kidnappers, and destroyers, and they must be presented as such.

“Let us remember that responsible and patriotic journalism is essential to building a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria – one that holds promise not just for our nation, but for the stability and development of the entire West African sub-region and the African continent at large.”

Pilot, Company’s Negligence Responsible For Death Of The Wigwes

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Adesina Soyooye

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May 7, 2025

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By Adesina Soyooye

If the Wigwe family has not sued anybody and/or company for the fatal helicopter crash which took away the lives of Herbert Wigwe, his wife, Chizoba, and son, Chizzy, it now has grounds to do so.

Investigators have blamed the helicopter crash which killed the Wigwes and their friend, Abimbola Ogunbanjo on ‘pilot spatial disorientation and company’s negligence’

Ogunbanjo was a former Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc.

The final report of the investigation into the crash has just been released by the United States National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and it’s contents are scary, almost like a suicidal mission.

The fatal crash happened on the 9th of February, 2024, near the California-Nevada border in a helicopter with registration number, N130CZ.

The crash which shook Nigerians and destabilised not a few families, organizations and destroyed relationships was, according to the investigation, primarily caused by pilot error and inadequate company oversight.

The NTSB found out that the crash occurred as a result of the “the Pilot’s decision to continue the visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the pilot’s spatial disorientation and loss of control.”

The NTSB said that the pilot “likely experienced spatial disorientation while maneuvering the helicopter in IMC, which led to his loss of helicopter control and the resulting collision with terrain.”

The report did not, also, spare the company which operated the helicopter as it noted “the company’s inadequate oversight of its safety management processes” as a contributing factor.

The report said that the helicopter operator “failed to ensure pilots were accurately completing flight risk analyses, logging maintenance discrepancies, and adhering to Part 135 flight regulations.”

The report disclosed that there were critical lapses in maintenance communication prior to the crash.

It noted: “During the return flight, the pilot texted the director of maintenance (DOM) about the issue. After arriving at the company’s flight operations base, the pilot discussed the issue with the company flight follower (who was also the company’s president). A company mechanic performed some troubleshooting on the radar altimeter; however, he was unable to rectify the issue, and the radar altimeter remained non-functional.

“The mechanic reported that the pilot and the DOM were aware that the radar altimeter was not functioning, yet they departed at 1822 on the positioning flight to pick up the passengers.

“About 40 minutes later, the positioning flight landed at the airport to pick up the charter passengers. After arrival, the pilot and flight follower had a phone conversation and exchanged text messages, but they did not discuss the status of the radar altimeter or weather conditions.”

The conclusion by the NTSB is “that poor judgment in continuing the flight under deteriorating weather conditions, along with the operator’s failure to enforce critical safety protocols, ultimately led to the fatal crash.”

Army Captain, Others Killed As Terrorists Again Attack Gwoza Military Formation

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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May 7, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Boko Haram, early Wednesday morning, continued to upscale its latest campaigns of terror in some parts of Borno State, with the latest assault on the Izge Military formation in the security- challenged Gwoza Local Council.

In the latest attack launched by the terrorist group, a number of casualties, including an Army Captain, and a private soldier were recorded.

The Source reports that the Izge, Gwoza military base and the new settlement, have been persistent targets for attacks by the insurgents of late.

Before the latest attack, terrorists had, a few weeks ago, stormed the military base in a dawn operation, leaving behind several deaths, including an Army Major.

The Emir of Gwoza, Alhaji Mohammed Shehu Timta, while confirming the attack informed that the insurgents invaded the Community targeting both residents and the Military Facility at about 1.00:am on Wednesday May 7, 2025.

” My people in the Izge community came under Boko Haram attack today at about 1.00am.

Unfortunately, a Captain and private soldier paid the supreme price. But in a brave and swift reaction from the Military, men of the Civilian Joint Task Force, Local Hunters, Vigilantes, and the resilient community, the attack was repelled with the killing of three terrorists.

As the community is still trailing the terrorists, over 10 motorcycles, one seized military vehicle, and one sophisticated rifle with ammunition have been recovered from the terrorists.

” Let me commend our Military personnel ,other security agencies ,men of the CJTF,Local Hunters, Vigilantes ,and our resilient people for their bravery because as I speak, many people are still in the bush searching for the fleeing terrorists”, the Emir stated.

He specifically appreciated the State Governor Prof.Babagana Zulum for his administration’s unwavering support to the security agencies in their efforts to curtail the activities of the insurgents.

He, also, acknowledged the efforts of the Governor in motivating other local security groups in assisting in halting terrorist activities.

While urging the Governor not to relent, Emir Timta,called on the Federal Government to urgently consider the option of deploying more sophisticated and technology-driven strategies in combating terrorist activities in Borno state and the entire North East region.

While praying for the repose of the souls of dead ,he extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of all the deceased.

Cocoa: Stakeholders Brainstorm In Ondo On Challenges Facing Industry

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Ayodele Oni

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May 7, 2025

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Cocoa Stakeholders Meeting in Ondo State

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has called for efforts to address the major challenges facing cocoa production in Nigeria, particularly in the areas of climate change, value chain inefficiencies, and poor succession planning.

He made the call on Wednesday while declaring open a two-day National Cocoa Stakeholders’ Workshop and Excellence Award Ceremony organised by the Cocoa Association of Nigeria (CAN) in collaboration with Lutheran World Relief (LWR), in Akure.

The event, themed “Deforestation-Free Cocoa Production and Improved Trade Practices Through Adoption of Sustainable National Traceability System: Key to Industry Growth and Development,” drew key players from across the cocoa value chain, including farmers, processors, and exporters.

The governor pointed out that “As we convene to deliberate on this very apposite theme, we are reminded of Ondo State’s significant contributions to Nigeria’s cocoa production.

“Ondo State remains the leading cocoa-producing state in Nigeria, and we recognise the industry’s potential for economic growth, poverty reduction, and sustainable development.”

He outlined several initiatives already being implemented by his administration to support the cocoa sector.

These include the provision of free improved seedlings and fertilizers, training and capacity-building for farmers, better access to markets and finance, and a strong push for sustainable agricultural practices.

The governor also highlighted key challenges, including environmental degradation driven by climate change, inefficient market systems, aging farms, and a lack of data for informed decision-making.

“To address these challenges, we must work together to develop innovative solutions, leverage technology, and promote sustainable practices. We cannot afford to be left behind in the global cocoa value chain.

“To all participants, I charge you to engage meaningfully, share knowledge and chart a path forward for sustainable cocoa production.

“Let us work together to address the challenges facing our industry, capitalise on emerging opportunities and ensure the long-term sustainability of our cocoa industry.”

Earlier in his welcome address, the National President of the Cocoa Association of Nigeria, Mr. M.O. Abolarinwa, lauded Ondo State for playing a leadership role in cocoa production and described the workshop as a platform for aligning Nigeria’s cocoa sector with international best practices.

He stressed the importance of embracing the national traceability system to improve market access, especially in the face of new global requirements on deforestation and sustainable sourcing.

In his goodwill message, Dr. Victor Halim Iyama, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, expressed confidence in the potential of cocoa to significantly address Nigeria’s foreign exchange challenges.

He noted that the structures currently being established serve as a clear roadmap toward a prosperous future for the industry.

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, represented by Hajara Usman,

affirmed that President Bola Tinubu, through his Renewed Hope agenda, is deeply committed to revitalizing the cocoa sector.