Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River has advised civil servants in the state to delve into cocoa production as relying solely on salaries is no longer fashionable.

“With the kind of fertile rainforest that Cross River is endowed with, people can go into cocoa production to turn around their fortunes rather than depend on their salaries that may not be sustainable,” said the governor. “I advise workers in the state to fully go into cocoa production so as to better their lots after retirement, as cocoa is one of the crops that can grow even on rocks.”

He spoke at the flag-off ceremony of the first phase of the 2022 improved cocoa seedlings farming in Cross River.

“If Cote d’Ivoire, with a smaller landmass, could become a leading cocoa producer, Nigeria can do better. If Cross River decides to channel all its energy into cocoa cultivation, it would surpass the stride made by Cote d’Ivoire in cocoa production,” he said. “We have created an enabling environment for the people of the state to create wealth through agriculture.”

According to Timothy Akwaji, Cross River’s head of service, agriculture is one of the professions that the civil service rule does not forbid public servants to engage when in service.

Mr Akwaji stressed that he owned a palm farm.

“As civil servants in the state, do not only rely solely on your salaries but go into cocoa cultivation and other agribusinesses that can bring about value addition to the economy of your families,” he said.

(NAN)