Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Tuesday said his administration has stepped up efforts to curb deforestation while repositioning the state’s cocoa industry to meet emerging global sustainability and export standards.
He made the statement at the opening of the 2nd FAO Participatory Informed Learning Approach Multi-Stakeholders Workshop, organised under the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) GEF-7 FOLUR-IP Nigeria Project in Akure.
Aiyedatiwa disclosed that the state had set up a Strategic Committee on European Union Deforestation-Free Regulation to align cocoa production with global requirements on deforestation-free agriculture, agroforestry practices, and forest restoration.
He also noted the establishment of a forest management committee to strengthen monitoring and protection of Ondo’s forest reserves.
According to him, the FAO GEF-7 Food Systems, Land Use and Restoration programme has played a key role in promoting sustainable agriculture and environmental protection across the state.
The governor said the initiative is being implemented in eight local government areas—Akure South, Idanre, Ondo West, Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo, Owo, Odigbo, Okitipupa, and Irele—adding that about 14,000 cocoa and oil palm farmers have already been profiled under its pilot phase.
He commended the FAO for supporting efforts to transform cocoa and oil palm production systems in the Niger Delta region, stressing that sustainability remains central to his administration’s agricultural agenda.
Aiyedatiwa further revealed that Geographic Information System (GIS) equipment had been provided to the state to establish a GIS laboratory within the REDD+ Unit, improving geospatial mapping and forest management.
He added that the project also supports the distribution of agroforestry and timber seedlings to farmers and timber stakeholders to restore degraded forest areas.
The governor explained that the intervention includes training for extension officers and farmers on climate-smart agriculture, agroforestry, cocoa and oil palm production, land mapping for EU deforestation compliance, and sustainable land management practices.
He urged stakeholders to embrace integrated land use systems capable of boosting food security and improving livelihoods, assuring that the state would increase its counterpart funding to ensure effective implementation of the project.
Earlier, FAO Nigeria National Coordinator, Dr. Nifesimi Ogunkua, called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to advance sustainable land use and improve farmers’ access to international markets.
She said FAO remains responsible for technical oversight of the programme while working with national institutions to ensure lasting impact.
Ogunkua noted that Ondo State, as a key cocoa-producing hub, has the potential to become a model for climate-smart and sustainable cocoa production if land use planning, agroforestry, and forest conservation are prioritised.
She cautioned that increased production without access to certified and traceable global markets would limit economic gains for farmers.
She also commended the state government for providing an enabling environment and confirmed the establishment of a GIS facility in Ondo, describing it as a state-owned initiative supported by FAO technical expertise.
In his remarks, Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Engr. Leye Akinola, said the workshop focused on integrated landscape management, land use planning, tenure systems, agroecological transition, certification standards, and participatory spatial planning.
He explained that the initiative aims to strengthen coordination among stakeholders and promote sustainable agricultural and environmental practices across the state.
Akinola appreciated the collaboration of federal agencies, research institutes, development partners, and farmer groups, noting that Ondo State had been selected as the headquarters of the programme since its commencement in March 2024.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, represented by Permanent Secretary Stephen Aworere, commended the project for promoting sustainable land use and value chain development.
The Chairman of ALGON in Ondo State, Gbenga Fasua, assured that the eight participating local governments would fully support and sustain the project.
Dignitaries at the event included Deputy Governor Dr. Olayide Adelami, Chief of Staff Prince Segun Omojuwa, local government chairmen, and traditional rulers.
