The Chairman of the Cocoa Association of Nigeria (CAN), Cross River State Chapter, Mr. Pascal Kejie-Bobua, has explained the rationale behind the association’s donation of a firefighting truck to the Ikom community.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to Governor Bassey Otu in Calabar on Thursday, Kejie-Bobua said the initiative was a response to the frequent fire outbreaks in Ikom Local Government Area, which have caused significant losses of property worth millions of naira over the years.

He noted that the absence of firefighting infrastructure in the area has worsened the impact of such incidents, often plunging affected families and traders into severe hardship.

“Anyone conversant with happenings in Ikom Local Government Area will attest to the fact that over the last decade, there have been several devastating fire outbreaks,” he said.

“Shops and houses have been razed due to the lack of firefighting equipment. This compelled us to take action and procure the truck to provide emergency services and reduce the damage caused by such disasters.”

Kejie-Bobua cited incidents around the Ikom main market where fire outbreaks had left traders helpless due to the unavailability of firefighting support.

He emphasised that the association’s decision to donate the truck was driven purely by a desire to protect lives and property within the community.

Reacting, Governor Bassey Otu expressed his appreciation for the visit and commended the association’s commitment to community development and safety.

The governor lauded CAN’s contributions to the state and the country at large, assuring the delegation of his administration’s readiness to partner with the association to advance Cross River’s development agenda.

“With collaboration and teamwork, there is no limit to what we can achieve,” Governor Otu stated.

The courtesy visit featured CAN executives led by Mr. Kejie-Bobua, who presented their concerns and highlighted the role of cocoa production in the state’s economic growth.