At the recently concluded 2024 Inhouse Research Review for the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) located in Ibadan, Oyo State, held from Tuesday, April 23, 2024, till Thursday, April 25, 2024 at the institute, suggestions and recommendations for subsequent research events were advanced in the communique.

Under the theme “Varietal Development of Cocoa, Kola, Coffee, Cashew and Tea for Sustainable Circular Economic Growth in Nigeria,” the communique, which was presented by the CRIN Herald team, advanced the following observations: need for approval of national cocoa management committee bill, and need to harness external grants for research funding.

Some of the recommendations include deployment of institutional proposals for relevant activities; inhouse scrutiny of units, sections, departments and programme levels; merger of proposal with comparable features; trimming down of proposal budget to realistic limits at programme levels; incorporation of relevant disciplines and programmes in research activities, among others.

In his reaction to the communique and syndicate report delivered, the Executive Director of the institute, Dr. Patrick Adebola, who appreciated all and sundry for the success of the event, charged the researchers to develop a presentation template, saying there is need for the researchers to work with the institute on carrying the institute’s logo on their research works.

He also restated his lament on how Nigeria is lagging at enjoying the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) programme currently being enjoyed by Cote D’Ivoire and Ghana. CEOAFRICA gathered that through the EUDR, countries like Cote D’Ivoire, Ghana and Cameroon are collectively producing more than 70% of the world cocoa. The beneficiaries are also enjoying it in achieving their objectives in terms of economic, environmental, and social sustainability of cocoa production.

Adebola stressed his call for government support so that Nigeria can soar better than neighbouring countries in the areas of cocoa production, being part of improving the nation’s economy.

The CRIN CEO encouraged young farmers and researchers to maximise their potentials to soar higher in their field of experience.

The 3-day event attracted research institutes, scientists, researchers, academicians, farmers, agricultural experts and stakeholders, government institutions, among others.