Smallholder Cocoa Farmers Protest Against Privatization in Cross River State

Smallholder cocoa farmers in Etomi community have taken to the streets to express their opposition to the state government's plan to privatize cocoa estates in the area. The farmers, who have been cultivating cocoa on land donated by their grandparents, are adamant that any decision regarding the estate should involve them in the process. According to Mbek Agbor-Tangban, a representative of the farmers, the government should have consulted them before advertising tenders for privatization. The protesters carried placards with messages such as "Our cocoa estate is not for sale" and "We won't accept privatisation of our estate" to convey their message.

Key Takeaways:

• The smallholder cocoa farmers in Etomi community are protesting against the state government's plan to privatize cocoa estates in the area.
• The farmers claim that their grandparents entered into an agreement with the government before donating land for cocoa cultivation.
• Mbek Agbor-Tangban, a representative of the farmers, argues that the government should have consulted them before advertising tenders for privatization.
• The protesters carried placards with messages opposing the privatization of their estate, emphasizing that they should be the first to be consulted or have the opportunity to participate in bidding.
• Ntunkai Mary-Ndum, women leader in Etomi community, urges the state government to leave the land for the farmers if they are no longer interested in the smallholders farmers' scheme.

Statistics:

• None mentioned in the text.

Sources:

• The Nigerian Chronicle (June 25 edition) cited as a source of information on the advertisement of tenders for privatization by the Privatization Council of Cross River State.