The Ekiti State government has reaffirmed its determination to boost cocoa farming and embark on a massive reafforestation of the state.
According to the Commissioner of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mr. Babajide Arowosafe, the state would distribute 263,442 cocoa seedlings and raise about another 228,000 seedlings to rekindle the forest reserves and boost the revenue generation capacity .
Mr.Babajide Arowosafe, who disclosed this at a meeting with cocoa farmers in Ado-Ekiti, said that the state government was fully committed to reviving cocoa plantations in the state.
He said state Government was set to distribute 263,442 cocoa seedlings to farmers as part of efforts at boosting cocoa production in the state.
The state’s Commissioner for Environment Mr. Bisi Kolawole, also speaking at the event also explained that the government intended to utilize the heavily endowed forests that abound in the state to improve its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
Mr. Kolawole said it has become important for states to sought for alternative sources of income in the face of the current global reduction of business activities and the diminishing revenue from oil.
He told the gathering that the state government would no longer allow chaotic felling of trees which had stripped the state of its much needed revenue, and warned that any forestry officer or guard caught conniving with timber contractors to commit illegalities would be made to face the wrath of the law.
The Head of Service, Dr Olugbenga Faseluka had earlier condemned the activities of timber contractors fond of attacking Forest officers and guards in the course of performing their official duties.
He also advised officers and guard to always abide by the civil service rules when enforcing compliance with the forestry laws and assured them of their safety.
Dr. Faseluka also reiterated that anybody arrested for attacking government official in the course of carrying out their lawful duties would be dealt with.
