A cocoa plantation, top, Dr Adebola, bottom right and Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria’s Headquarters, Ibadan.

Richard Elesho

As the federal government grapples with efforts to diversify the economy the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, CRIN has announced the successful production of chicken feeds from Cocoa pods, and cocoa-specific fertilisers, with intensified energy to make the products available in commercial quantity.

The Executive Director, of CRIN, Dr Patrick Adebola, made these known on Monday in Ibadan. He was speaking at the 60th anniversary of the foremost institute, which was held at its headquarters in Idi Ayunre, outskirts of the Oyo State capital.

CRIN, which was established in 1964 with a two-crop research mandate, has now expanded to six and has renewed its commitment to advancing the frontiers of crop research in the African sub-region. Success stories of CRIN include the exhibition of cocoa powder, cocoa bread, chocolate, cocoa wine, and cocoa yoghurt.

“We have successfully produced poultry feed from cocoa pod husk with 20% maize replacement. These innovations have provided additional income streams for farmers, supported small and medium enterprises, and contributed to the nation’s economic diversification,” Dr. Adebola said.

“The forward-looking, stylistically innovative works and aggressive developmental fund drive of the Institute have yielded significant dividends as the Institute partners with stakeholders to secure grants and awards, including a keenly contested $22 million award as an example.”

In a goodwill message, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development. Senator Abubakar Kyari said a period of 60 years is no mean achievement in the life of any organization. Represented by a zonal director in the ministry. Mrs Akeredolu Olayinka, commended CRIN for its groundbreaking research and charged the institute to make the results of its findings readily available to the organizations that rely on them.

The minister pledged continued federal government support for CRIN to realise the dreams of its founding fathers.

The ceremony witnessed an anniversary lecture delivered by the Vice-Chancellor, of Osun State University,

Prof. O.C Adebooye. Represented by Prof. O.C Nwoye he discussed the theme “Tree crops research for sustainable Nigerian economy.”

The lecturer identified inadequate infrastructure, low capital, and climate change as changes confronting agriculture, recommending that Nigeria must prioritize research for development as a vehicle for economic well-being.

The anniversary ceremony, which was held as CRIN, played host to the Research Institute Games Association of Nigeria, RIGAN also featured cultural interludes, book launches, and presentations of awards of excellence to deserving individuals and. groups.

The awardees included President Bola Tinubu, Minister Kyari, minister of state Sen. John Owan and Adebola. Others are, Dr. Emmanuel Oluwasegun, Oba Dokun Thomson of Eti Oni, and  Dr. Oluwasegun Awolumate. Corporate awardees are the United States Department of Agriculture, USDA, Sunbathing Global Concepts, Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta, PIND, Giz Move, Johnvents Group, and Olam Food Ingredients, OFI. Former Directors of the institute honoured are Prof.Lawtence Opeke (posthumous), Samuel Adeyemi (posthumous), Dr. Samuel Olatoye (posthumous), Dr. Adebayo Williams (posthumous), Dr

Ayoola Fashina (posthimous),  Prof. Gerald Iremiren, Prof. Malachi Akoroda (posthumous), and Rev. Dr. Olayiwola Olubamiwa.

The CRIN ED, Adebola was awarded the fellowship of three global research and scholarship associations one of which signed a partnership agreement with CRIN. The peak of the ceremony was the cutting of the anniversary cake.

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