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The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal
University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Prof Biyi Daramola, has called
for a return to massive production of cocoa.
Daramola said the concentration on oil was not good for the country.
The FUTA boss, who spoke at the kick-off
of a training for Ondo State Cocoa Pruners, was represented by the
Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Development, Prof Tolulope Akinbogun.
The training is being handled by the university’s Centre for Entrepreneurship (CENT).
The pruners are being taught modern skills in cocoa pruning that will enhance better yield.
Daramola urged the participants to give the training all attention because of its importance.
According to him, cocoa production,
which used to be one of the mainstay of the Nigerian economy, especially
in the Southwest, has long been abandoned for oil, but is now due for
revitalisation.
He said: “There are always modern ways
of doing things to achieve the best result. If you do not know these
modern ways, it will affect your output. See this opportunity as one of
the best. Utilise it well so that you can train others.”
He said FUTA is well-positioned to carry
out the training because of its expertise in agriculture and related
fields. He said the university would continue to ensure that it adds
value to its immediate environment and the society at large.
The Director of the Centre, Dr. Ayo Olajuyigbe, praised Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko for revamping cocoa production.
Dr. Olajuyigbe the Southwest states to
leverage on FUTA’s researches to develop their citizens and build in
them entrepreneurial skills. He said skill acquisition holds the key to
solving the seemingly intractable problem of youth unemployment in the
country.
Chairman, Ondo State Cocoa
Implementation Committee, Dr. Jibayo Oyebade, praised the management of
FUTA for adding value to teh society.
He said “FUTA has come to stand
distinctly in the comity of universities in Nigeria, Africa and the
world. There are lots of potentials in FUTA that should be externalised.
“We appreciate FUTA’s CENT for
partnering with us to train this first set of pruners. This training
will enhance the skill of the cocoa farmers in our state and further
showcase our products to the world.”
He also thanked FUTA for accepting to train the pruners for further development of the cocoa industry.
CULLED FROM THE NATION
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