The African Diaspora Collective (TADC) Signs MoU With Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN).
By Adekunle Balogun
The African Diaspora Collective (TADC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), Ibadan, Oyo State to establish strategic partnership between them.
Speaking at the ceremony on Friday, 13th June, 2025 at the Institute’s headquarters, Ambassador Davisha L. Johnson, who signed on behalf of TADC spoke extensively about the immense opportunities that can be created for people through agriculture. “Everybody needs food, so, it is an opportunity for Africa to become self-sustaining through agriculture. This research institute is the first in the continent where we have an opportunity for policy makers, politicians and researchers understand how is it to become self-sustaining. An actionable step in a very small scale, so that, people will know they can do it themselves. We don’t need 1000 hectares or one hundred million dollars equipment, because we already have people who are able to sustain their families and communities through what we have been able to do” she said.
Dr. Sunday Agbeniyi, Director of Research Operation signed on behalf of RCIN. He expressed appreciation to TADC and Ambassador Johnson for coming all the way from the United States of America and the enthusiasm to bring development. He noted that RCIN established in 1964 is a world class Institute that has won international awards in research and willing to collaborate and cooperate with TADC for the desired outcomes.
The ceremony was attended by other top Directors, Assistant Directors and Researchers who led Ambassador Davisha L.Johnson and her team to inspect the site of the one hectare of land already approved to serve as pilot programme for the “One Hectare Sustainable Farm” project at CRIN.
There was a guided facility tour of the Cocoa Flavour Laboratory said to be the best in Africa, showcasing equipment, procedures and personnel that have earned the Institute such global recognition.
