The TECHM Christian Global Institute, Iowa, U.S., has commended the Special Adviser to the Governor of Cross River on Cocoa Development, Mr Oscar Ofuka, for efforts in developing cocoa in the state.

Mr Joel Okolette-Warri, the National President of TECHM in Nigeria gave the commendation on Monday in Calabar during the award of an honorary Doctorate degree to the special adviser by the institute.

He said: “The institute was delighted by the new aggressive approach employed by the state government through the adviser in making cocoa the mainstay of its economy.

“We recognise individuals who have distinguished themselves in their areas of endeavours. Leadership entails integrity, competence, skillfulness and empathy and doing the right thing.

“Oscar Ofuka has revolutionalised cocoa in Cross River since he became the special adviser to the governor on cocoa development. Today, cocoa has become the mainstay of the economy of the state.

“Hence, we decided to recognise him today with the award of a Doctorate degree (honoris causa). ‘’

Okolette-Warri stressed the need for states in the country to follow the footsteps of Cross River by trying to diversify their economy instead of depending on Federal allocation.

In his reaction, Ofuka said the award was a testimony that the state’s effort in diversifying the economy and making cocoa the pivot of its economy had not gone unnoticed.

According to him, the award was just one of the several others he had received for himself and on behalf of the governor, adding that he would not relent.

“Honestly, I thank the institute for this award and the only thing I can say is that, it is a call to do more.

“As I speak, we have acquired over 300,000 hectares for cocoa plantation across the state. We are really moving forward as far as cocoa is concerned, ‘’ he said. (NAN)

– Jun. 18, 2018 @ 13:45 GMT |