S.A Asset Management & Recovery, Barr Agbor, Commences Verification of Cocoa Allocation in Ikom
By Eaga Dassom – Ikom
In an effort to ensure integrity and bolster transparency of the 2024 Cocoa Allocation Exercise in Cross River State, the Special Adviser Asset Management & Recovery, Barr Gilbert Agbor in conjunction with the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, on 25th June, 2024, launched a comprehensive verification of the 2024 Cocoa Allocation Exercise by the Cocoa Allocation, Rehabilitation and Development Committee.
Held at the Ikom Local Government Council Secretariat, Ikom, this initiative follows a direct mandate from His Excellency Governor Bassey Edet Otu, who has prioritised the scrutiny and sanitation of the government owned cocoa estate in the state.
A vital sector contributing significantly to the livelihood of numerous farmers and to the local as well as state economy, the 2024 allocation process has faced criticism and allegations of corruption, mismanagement and favouritism.
Recognising the importance of a fair and transparent allocation process, Governor Otu, issued a directive aimed at ensuring that the allocation process is conducted with utmost integrity.
Spearheading the process, Barr Agbor, initiated a detailed verification process towards reforming the entire process. The verification includes several stages; detailed examination of existing allocation records to identify discrepancies and irregularities, conducting physical inspections of allocated cocoa farms to verify the authenticity and engaging stakeholders to gather firsthand accounts and insights into the allocation process.
Anticipated to culminate in a comprehensive report that will outline findings and recommendations, stakeholders and observers alike are keenly watching to see the impact of these reforms on the future of the cocoa industry in the state.