The Special Adviser to Gov. Ben Ayade on Cocoa Development, Dr. Oscar Ofuka, says the Cross River Government has engaged about 10,000 youths in cocoa farming since 2018.
Ofuka said this on Tuesday in Calabar when he received Peace Ambassador Award from the International World Advocates for Peace, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO).
According to him, the engagement of the youths, who were hitheto restive in various communities, had brought relative peace in the affected areas and the state in general.
“We have engaged about 10,000 youths in cocoa farming, especially in cocoa estates at Bendeghe Community in Etung Local Government Area and other areas.
“I can confidently say today that the engagement of youths in cocoa farming has brought peace and increased cocoa production.
“We are going to engage more in this year’s planting season,” he said.
He described cocoa as the number one cash crop in Gov. Ben Ayade’s agriculture revolution programme.
“With our cocoa processing plant, the largest in West Africa, more youths are required in the production chain.
“All these would not have been possible without the support and encouragement of the governor.
“So, I dedicate this award to him,” he said.
Presenting the award, Mr. Per. Stafsen, the President of the organisation, said the award was in recognition of individuals who had worked to ensure peace in their communities, states and the country at large.
Stafsen said that the special adviser was honoured for his efforts in bringing peace to many communities in Cross River and the state at large.
He said that the organisation was partnering stakeholders to ensure sustainable peace around the World, which was one of the cardinal points of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). (NAN)