Cocoa workshop on training of trainers (ToT) was organized by JohnVent Cocoa Sustainability and Farmers Empowerment Programme in partnership with CRIN for the farmers and farmers’ cooperative secretaries in Ondo and Osun States of Nigeria from July 05 to 07, 2022. Earlier this year, the consultant of JohnVent on Sustainability, Magaji Isiaka Bolawa Oladokun visited CRIN to seek for technical assistance and support of the Institute to assess and/or evaluate the State owned 1,000 ha Oda Cocoa Farm for rehabilitation and revitalisation, which they intended to give to farmers in the State and beyond as out-growers. This forms the basis on which the training of farmers and trainers on Sustainable Cocoa Farming along the value chain was organised.

A total of Fifty-five (55) Lead Farmers (participants/trainees) were in attendance at the workshop. These include cocoa farmers and Secretaries of Cocoa Cooperatives. Some of these farmers have hectares of cocoa farms inherited from their parents, while some acquired land and planted the cocoa. However, JohnVent has a plan of absorbing 150,000 cocoa farmers as out-growers in Oda Cocoa Farm and beyond.

The grand finale of the programme was held on 7th July. In attendance were the ED CRIN, Dr. Patrick Adebola; the GMD JohnVent, Mr. John Alamu; SSA to the Governor on Agriculture and Agribusiness, Chief Akin Olotu; the Jegun of Ile-Oluji, HRM Julius Adetimeyin; the Representative of Deji of Akure, CRIN Cocoa Programme Leader, Dr. Rasheed A., Adedeji, CRIN Head, Production and Substations, Dr. Moses Ogunlade. Other CRIN Scientists included Dr. Kayode Oluyole, Dr. Adegoke Oyedokun and Mr. Amos Oloyede. Other dignitaries present were CAN Chairman, Alhaji Muftau Olayinka Bolarinwa; CFAN National President, Comrade Adeola Adegoke; Secretary, Ondo State Cocoa Revolution Agency; NEPC Rep. for Ondo State, Arc. Benedict Itegbe; and MD Capitalflex Ltd, Dr. Yemisi Shittu.