Abia State Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, has reaffirmed the Alex Otti-led administration’s commitment to agricultural development and the empowerment of cocoa farmers, assuring the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria (CFAN), Abia State Chapter, of continued government support.

Emetu gave the assurance when the association’s leadership visited him at Government House, Umuahia, to present a report on its 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.

Commending CFAN for its dedication to cocoa farming and its constructive engagement with the state government, the deputy governor described leadership under the present administration as a responsibility and a call to service.

“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 association that its letter of appreciation would be forwarded to Governor Otti for his attention. He also pledged to send 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, for his commitment to supporting the proposed establishment of a cocoa traceability laboratory in Abia.

He expressed optimism that continued cooperation among the state government, cocoa farmers and development partners would strengthen agricultural value chains, improve farmers’ welfare and enhance the competitiveness of Abia-produced cocoa in local and international markets.

Reaffirming the administration’s commitment to working with the association, Emetu said the government would continue to support credible initiatives that promote agricultural development and advance farmers’ interests.

“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, CFAN Abia State Chairman, Sir John Kalu, thanked Governor Otti for sponsoring a 10-member delegation to the international conference and ensuring the deputy governor’s participation.

Kalu said Abia’s presence 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.

He explained that the association planned to share the knowledge acquired with cocoa farmers across Abia State to improve production methods, raise product quality and help farmers benefit from opportunities in international markets.

The CFAN chairman described the proposed traceability laboratory as one of the major outcomes of the conference. According to him, 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 added that access to local quality-testing and certification services could help address the underpricing of Abia-produced cocoa, increase its commercial value and strengthen the state’s position in Nigeria’s cocoa industry.

Kalu appealed to the state government to facilitate a meeting between CFAN 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 continued assistance to enable women cocoa farmers to expand production and contribute more to the state’s agricultural development.

Among the recommendations in the association’s report were the designation of the Abia State Ministry of Agriculture as the focal ministry for the initiative and the creation of a structured framework for collaboration among the state government, CFAN and the TRACE Project team.

Those present at the meeting 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 Nwankpa; and other members of the association.