Cocoa farmers in very difficult situation -Monarch

A traditional ruler in Osun State, the Oloni of Eti-Oni, Oba Dokun Thompson Gureje IV has said cocoa farmers are in a very difficult situation and that they are looking for a way out.

The monarch said this in Osogbo, Osun State at the launch of Royal Cocoa International Film Festivals as part of the events marking the 8th edition cocoa festival in the state.

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The traditional ruler said Osun state government was doing all it could do to support the cocoa farmers just as he urged the cocoa farmers to also work to pull themselves out of the difficult situation they have found themselves.

Oba Dokun Thompson said the Royal Cocoa International Film Festivals is an initiative of Eti-Oni Development Group to promote cocoa renaissance in the country and the continent.

The State Governor, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola who was represented by the state Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Adedayo Adewole launched the Royal Cocoa International Film Festivals.

Speaking on behalf of the Governor, Adewole said the state government was supporting cocoa farmers in the state in many ways to ensure that they farm with ease and make commensurate profit.

Oyetola lauded the Oloni of Eti-Oni, Oba Dokun Thompson Gureje IV for consistently promoting cocoa and pledged support of the state government for cocoa farmers and The Cocoa Festival.

Series of films watched included the “Legend of the Cocoa King”, A 2D animation short film to celebrate Cocoa farmers all over the world, by Oba Dokun Thompson.

The President of the Eti-Oni Development Group, Queen Angelique-Monet Gureje-Thompson, Yeyeluwa Olori of Eti-Oni and co-founder of Royal Cocoa International Film Festivals said the initiative was to redefine the continent’s cocoa industry.

She noted that the initiative was to return value to cocoa with a renewed mindset and transform cocoa producing regions so that the farmers can have self worth and self dignity for the coming generation to embrace cocoa farming with pride.

A member of the Board of Advisors of Eti-Oni Development Group, Prince Charles Jibromah expressed gratitude to the state government and others who attended the event.