Cocoa Adulterants Burned as Onodo State Government Vows to Prosecute Offenders

 

Ondo State, famously known as Nigeria's leading cocoa producer, is sending a strong message to saboteurs: quality over quantity! In a decisive move to protect its prized agricultural commodity and international reputation, the state government on Thursday, May 22nd, publicly destroyed a massive quantity of adulterants seized from an unscrupulous cocoa merchant.

The harmful substances, weighing a hefty 200kg, were set ablaze in Omiluri, Ondo West Local Government Area, symbolizing the government's unwavering resolve. Segun Odusanya, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, who ordered the burning, reiterated Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa's commitment to maintaining Ondo's top spot with "unmatched quality."

"Anyone caught engaging in such illegal practices will be prosecuted," Odusanya warned. "We will seal off any store found with these substances, destroy the products, and take legal action against the offenders.” He stressed that continued adulteration could severely damage the state’s reputation, stating, "Bad publicity will hurt us all."

The problem, as explained by Tunji Akinnadeju, Director of Produce (DP3), stems from some merchants adding these substances to increase the weight of cocoa beans for higher profit, especially with current high international prices. This ultimately tarnishes Nigeria's image in the global market.

Even more concerning, Sunday Adegbola, Director of Produce Licensing, highlighted the serious health risks. "These chemicals may end up in chocolate and other products, posing serious dangers to human health," he cautioned.

Commending Governor Aiyedatiwa for approving the recruitment of 60 new staff to boost monitoring, the ministry has pledged to work tirelessly until Ondo State is completely free of cocoa adulteration. This is a clear signal that Ondo is ready to fight to keep its golden reputation shining!