Cross River can’t take our 38,000 cocoa estate without agreement – Community head

The community head of Akin Osomba in Akamkpa LGA of Cross River State, Ntufam Patrick Etim has said that they will not allow the state government to exert ownership of their 38,000 hectares of cocoa estate without a written agreement.

Akin Osomba community had earlier expressed willingness to donate the estate to the state government.

Speaking in Calabar where he came to see the two hectares cocoa demonstration farm, he maintained that the agreement or a Memorandum of Understanding is signed with them that they can hand over the estate to the state government.

He stressed that the MOU will give opportunity for both parties to complete necessary paper work to pave way for full ownership by the state government.

“We want the state governor to visit our community and get the necessary paperwork done, including signing an agreement, so that it can take full ownership of the cocoa farm for the betterment of all the stakeholders.”.

Also speaking on the issue, Special Adviser to Gov. Ben Ayade on Cocoa Development and Control, Dr. Oscar Ofuka stated that development of cocoa cash crop by the administration of senator professor Ben Ayade remains the greatest legacies to be left behind when its tenure elapses.

He expressed hope that government will work towards regularising ownership of cocoa estates in parts of the state.

Cross River can’t take our 38,000 cocoa estate without agreement – Community head