By Titilayo Tumilara
A total of 1,000 farmers have benefited from the free distribution of cocoa seedlings by the Akure North Local Government area to boost cocoa production and strengthen the agricultural sector.
Speaking at the distribution ceremony, the council chairman, Hon. Johnson Ogunbolude, said the programme was one of the key agricultural policies of his administration, designed to support farmers and promote sustainable agricultural development in the local government area.
He noted that the intervention was aimed at repositioning Akure North as a major cocoa-producing hub through improved productivity, sustainable farming practices and increased access to local and international markets.
The chairman stressed that agriculture remains a critical driver of economic growth and employment generation. He reiterated that his administration would continue to initiate programmes that empower farmers and enhance food and cash crop production.
The initiative, under which each beneficiary received 30 improved cocoa seedlings, is expected to increase cocoa cultivation, enhance farmers’ productivity and improve their socio-economic well-being.
The local government Director of Agriculture, Elder Owolabi Emmanuel, JP, commended the initiative and urged beneficiaries to make effective use of the seedlings.
He assured them that more agricultural support programmes would be introduced to improve their farming activities.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Ojo, expressed gratitude to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa and the Akure North council chairman for the gesture, describing it as a timely intervention that would increase cocoa production and improve the livelihoods of farmers.
Present at the event were the Head of Local Government Administration, Mrs Adufe B. O.; the Supervisor for Agriculture, Hon. Clement Olowere; the Director of General Services and Administration, Mrs Olukemi Adefope-Ajayi and other officials.