Abia Backs Cocoa Farmers, Sponsors 10 For Global Conference

The Abia State Government has sponsored 10 cocoa farmers to attend an international conference and pledged continued support for initiatives aimed at improving cocoa production, farmers’ earnings and access to global markets.

The government’s commitment was highlighted on Friday when Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu received the leadership of the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria (CFAN), Abia State Chapter, at Government House, Umuahia.

During the meeting, the association commended Governor Alex Otti for sponsoring its 10-member delegation to 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 delegation also appreciated Emetu for representing the state at the conference, describing the government’s participation as a demonstration of its commitment to agricultural development.

Presenting the association’s report, CFAN State Chairman, Chief John Kalu, said the delegation acquired knowledge on cocoa traceability, climate-smart agriculture, value addition and advocacy for a $6,000 floor price for cocoa.

He said the association would share the knowledge with cocoa farmers across Abia to improve production practices and help them benefit from opportunities in the international cocoa market.

Kalu disclosed that Mr Nene Akwetey-Kodjoe, Chief of Party of the United States Department of Agriculture-supported Lutheran World Relief TRACE Project, had committed to supporting the establishment of a cocoa traceability laboratory in Abia.

The proposed facility is expected to help farmers meet international quality and traceability standards, facilitate local testing and certification, address the underpricing of Abia cocoa and improve the state’s competitiveness in the global market.

Responding, Emetu commended CFAN for promoting cocoa farming and maintaining a constructive relationship with the state government.

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He assured the association that the Otti administration would continue to collaborate with credible agricultural groups and development partners to advance farming and improve farmers’ welfare across the state.

The deputy governor also promised to forward the association’s letter of appreciation to Otti and send a formal letter to Akwetey-Kodjoe in recognition of his commitment to the proposed laboratory.

Emetu described leadership as a responsibility and a call to service, stressing that the government remained committed to partnerships that support the state’s development agenda.

However, Kalu appealed to the government to facilitate a meeting between CFAN and the TRACE Project team to discuss land requirements and other arrangements for establishing the laboratory.

The association also recommended that the Abia State Ministry of Agriculture serve as the focal ministry for the project, supported by a formal collaboration framework involving the government, CFAN and the TRACE Project team.

Kalu said the laboratory would improve the quality, traceability and commercial value of cocoa produced in Abia, potentially creating better opportunities for local farmers in international markets.

Also speaking, Ugochi Ogasanya, Coordinator of the Women Association of Cocoa Farmers, thanked the state government for sponsoring the delegation and appealed for sustained support to help women cocoa farmers expand production and contribute to agricultural development.

The meeting highlighted the importance of government funding, institutional support and partnerships with development organisations in strengthening Abia’s cocoa value chain and improving farmers’ incomes.

Those present included 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 Wankpa; and other members of the association.

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