The Cocoa Farmers Alliance Association of Africa (COFAAA), Nigeria Chapter, has taken a decisive step toward revitalizing the nation’s cocoa industry with its first-ever strategic meeting at Cocoa House, Akure, Ondo State. This milestone gathering followed the association’s official launch in Ibadan on February 12, 2025, bringing together key stakeholders determined to transform Nigeria into a dominant player in the global cocoa market.
In a statement issued by Miss Oyindamola Oluwatosin Akande and made available to the National Update in Abuja, the meeting was described as a crucial platform for discussions on innovation, sustainability, and economic empowerment for Nigerian cocoa farmers.
Presided over by COFAAA Global President, Comrade Adeola Adegoke, the event convened state chairmen and representatives from major cocoa-producing states, including Ondo, Ekiti, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Cross River, Edo, and Kwara. Their collective goal: to reshape the future of cocoa farming in Nigeria through modern agricultural practices, value addition, and fair market access.
Addressing attendees, Comrade Adegoke emphasized the need for Nigerian cocoa farmers to embrace cutting-edge agronomic methods and advanced post-harvest processing to enhance cocoa quality and global competitiveness.
“Our mission is clear: to empower farmers, increase production, and secure fair pricing for African cocoa on the world stage. Nigerian farmers must see themselves as key players in this global movement,” Adegoke stated, urging unity and resilience within the sector.
A core theme of the meeting was the need for strong collaborations between farmers, policymakers, exporters, processors, and researchers to ensure a sustainable and efficient cocoa value chain. Adegoke further highlighted COFAAA’s commitment to engaging Nigerian youth in cocoa farming, equipping them with the skills and resources needed to sustain the industry’s future.
Recognizing the role of global cocoa institutions and cocoa-producing nations, Adegoke commended existing partnerships while calling for stronger alliances to enhance Nigeria’s market presence and value-added production.
Participants discussed key challenges such as fluctuating cocoa prices and inadequate government support, reaffirming their dedication to overcoming these hurdles through strategic action and collective effort. Many lauded Adegoke’s visionary leadership and pledged to work together to elevate Nigeria’s cocoa industry.
With its maiden meeting setting the stage for long-term transformation, COFAAA Nigeria is poised to drive a new era of growth, sustainability, and global competitiveness in the nation’s cocoa sector.