Governor of the state of Osun Mr Gboyega Oyetola said his administration is working towards partnering with individuals, communities, organizations as well as local and foreign investors to explore the full potentials of agriculture and tourism for sustainable development by creating an enabling environment, encouragement and the needed support to the people.
Governor Oyetola declared this commitment in Eti- Oni, Atakumosa East local government area of the state during the grand finale of the annual Eti -Oni Cocoa festival 2018.
The celebration with a theme, the Royal Origins and Traditions of Cocoa for Sustainable Transformation’, was held at Gurueje Square, Eti-Oni.
The Governor who was represented by his Deputy Mr Gboyega Alabi said the avowed commitment of his administration is to revive and develop the agriculture and tourism sectors to sustain the economy of the state for the prosperity of all and sundry.
Governor Oyetola while lamenting the neglect of the sectors particularly the agricultural sector which was the basis and the mainstream of the economy tapped by the then government to bring massive development to the South West region and Nigeria before the discovery of Oil in the early 60s, traced the history of cocoa celebration in Eti-Oni as far back as 1896 before spreading to the entire region and other parts of the country.
He recalled how the country became the major exporter of agricultural produce especially Cocoa production and became the fourth largest producer of cocoa in the 60s, 70s and early 80s before the attention finally sifted to the oil production.
Speaking on the significance of cocoa production in the development of agriculture, Governor Oyetola commended the people of Eti-Oni for the annual festival which he described as a worthy of emulation for any traditional leader who believes that his appointment is for service adding that the annual festival has put Eti-Oni on the world map.
He assured the people of the community of support of the state in giving it the desired international endorsement and acknowledgement having described the festival as a good effort to promote culture and economy.
The Olooni of Eti-Oni, Oba Oladokun Taiwo Thompson while releasing his Royal blessings for the land, the state and Nigeria as a whole during the annual festival, congratulated the new government in state led by Mr Gboyega Oyetola and appreciated the new government for identifying with the ancient town on the celebration of this year cocoa festival which coincided with the inauguration of the new government.
The event was a parade of music, dance, poetry and drama to relay the events that led to the founding and establishment of the kingdom of Eti-Oni and the introduction of Cocoa into the land where prayers were offered to bless the land and the state for a bumper harvest in the coming and subsequent years.
The event also witnessed the presentation of Cocoa seedlings and a photo documentary on the landscape and land map of the ancient town to the Governor as well as foundation laying ceremony of the proposed first phase of Eti-Oni model Town performed by the Governor.
