The National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN) has entered a new phase of leadership with the appointment of Mr. Ademola Adesokan as Interim National President.
Addressing the media, stakeholders, and members of the cashew community in Abuja, Adesokan pledged to reposition the association as a credible and transparent body aligned with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda on agricultural transformation, food security, and industrial growth.
In his maiden media briefing, Adesokan expressed gratitude to NCAN stakeholders—including state chapters, cooperatives, processors, exporters, and allied institutions—for entrusting him with the responsibility to lead at this pivotal moment.
“It is with great humility and a deep sense of responsibility that I stand before you today as Interim National President of NCAN. This is a new beginning. We must leave behind the divisions of the past and embrace a spirit of collaboration, transparency, and progress,” he declared.
The Interim President commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes agricultural transformation and value addition across the value chain. He also acknowledged the support of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) and the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI) for their roles in developing the Cashew Policy Roadmap.
According to him, the roadmap lays a strong foundation for the sector’s growth, and NCAN is poised to work closely with government, donor agencies, and the private sector to implement its provisions.
Adesokan outlined the strategic priorities of his interim leadership:
1. Repositioning NCAN as a credible, transparent, and accountable institution.
2. Strengthening partnerships with government ministries and agencies to ensure NCAN plays a key role in policy formulation and implementation.
3. Championing value-addition by promoting investment in local cashew processing to retain wealth and create jobs within Nigeria.
4. Protecting and empowering farmers, ensuring fair rewards for their efforts and access to global market opportunities.
5. Restoring unity and trust within NCAN, rebuilding state and national structures, and conducting credible elections within one year to usher in permanent leadership.
Adesokan stressed the need for collective effort in transforming Nigeria’s cashew industry into a global leader not only in raw nut production but also in processing and value-added exports.
“Together, with the support of government under the Renewed Hope Agenda and the dedication of every stakeholder, we will ensure that Nigeria not only maintains its place as a global cashew producer but also rises to become a global leader in cashew processing and value-added exports,” he said.
The Interim NCAN President acknowledged the challenges facing the cashew industry but maintained that with unity of purpose, transparency, and renewed commitment, the association will emerge stronger.
He concluded with a rallying call to farmers, processors, exporters, civil society, and development partners to join hands in building a sustainable and prosperous future for Nigeria’s cashew sector.
About The Author
