The Executive Director of Cocoa Research Institute (CRIN), Dr. Adebola Patrick Olusanmi has been conferred with the National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM) award by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Dr. Patrick made the list of 72 awardees for their valuable contribution to the different sectors of the country's economy. He was recognized as part of the dignitaries for 2021 - 2022 individuals honoured by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The list was dully released and signed by the Director General and CEO of National Productivity Center, Dr. Nasir Olaitan Raji-Mustapha, who said that the dignitaries will be given their awards, certificates, and medals on June 5th, 2023.

Dr. Adebola is reputed for his contributions to the field of International Agricultural Research and Development. He has a strong background in Applied Genetics and Plant Breeding with over 30 years of research experience. It is worthy of note that since Dr. Patrick Adebola Olusanmi became the Executive Director of Cocoa Research Institute (CRIN) in 2020, he pursue the vision of making the institute and Nigeria the largest Cocoa producing nation in the world.

Dr Patrick is not only endeared to his work as the Executive Director of the Institute, he is also endeared to the welfare of staff by catering to their needs. He said this is a priority as they are the engine that makes the institute thrive and productive. Pensioners, too, are not left behind in his welfarist policies. With strong team spirit, he was able to commence the process of settling the backlog of salaries, allowances, and some other welfare issues, which have been causing industrial disharmony in the institute since 2017.

In an interaction with CEO Africa, Dr. Patrick Olusanmi Adebola highlighted other outstanding achievements since assuming office. These include the improvement in the area of research, which took another height and reshaped the organization's focus since 2020.

Also, he facilitated the production and distribution of over 850,000 improved cocoa seedlings and ensured these were delivered to target cocoa farmers through their various organizations, state ministries, and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. CRIN under his watch also gave out coffee, kola, cashew, and tea seedlings at subsidised rates to farmers.

Dr Adebola also facilitated the completion of cocoa flavour laboratory, which happens to be one of the best in Africa, where cocoa samples are being analyzed to determine their flavour quality.

His feat in international collaboration, research partnership, and networking with relevant stakeholders also stand him out for such a lofty honour.

In other words, Dr. Patrick Adebola Olusanmi is worthy of this national honour.

On behalf of the entire management of CEOAFRICA we say a big congratulations to a man of vision and passion for CRIN and Nigeria as a nation as we witnessed this historic event on 5th of June 2023.