The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has pledged to partner with the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) to revive cocoa cultivation as a viable economic investment in Ibadan.
Oba Ladoja was committed while receiving the management of CRIN at his palace on Wednesday.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olugbemiga Ayoade, the monarch was quoted as saying that Ibadan is fortunate to be located within the forest zone, where cocoa plantations can thrive due to favorable climatic conditions.
He also noted that the city hosts several agricultural experts and research institutions, particularly the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, which positions Ibadan well for agricultural revival.
The Olubadan expressed the readiness of Ibadan to allocate large expanses of land for the proposed cocoa plantation and to mobilize the necessary logistics to ensure the smooth take-off and successful completion of the project.
“I invite you and the experts in your institute to deliberate on how we can establish a modern cocoa plantation that can stand the test of time through the application of modern agricultural technologies and techniques,” the monarch said.
In his remarks, the Acting Executive Director of CRIN, Dr Rasheed Adedeji, thanked the Olubadan and members of his council for the opportunity given to the institute to contribute to the agricultural development of Ibadanland and Oyo State.
Dr Adedeji assured that CRIN would fully support the Olubadan’s agricultural initiative to ensure its successful implementation. He also requested the provision of essential logistics, including adequate land, farm inputs and other resources required for the project.
Dignitaries present at the meeting included the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola; the Ekerin Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Akeem Adewoyin; and other traditional title holders.
