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ONDO, OLATUNDE INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTE 50,000 HYBRID COCOA SEEDLINGS TO FARMERS
As part of efforts to boost cocoa production, increase yields, and maintain its position as Nigeria’s leading cocoa producer, the Ondo State Government, through the Cocoa Revolution and Management Agency, in collaboration with Olatunde International Limited, has distributed 50,000 improved cocoa seedlings to farmers in the state.
Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa flagged off the free distribution of the hybrid seedlings to farmers in Ipinsa, Akure South Local Government Area. He was represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Engr. Leye Akinola.
Speaking at the event, Governor Aiyedatiwa described it as a historic milestone in his administration’s commitment to reposition the cocoa industry and consolidate Ondo State’s leadership in cocoa production in Nigeria.
“Today marks another significant milestone in the commitment of the present administration to reposition the cocoa industry and consolidate Ondo State’s leadership position among cocoa-producing states in Nigeria.
There is no gainsaying that Ondo State remains the leading producer of cocoa in Nigeria, contributing approximately 40 per cent of the nation’s annual cocoa output,” he said.
He added that the feat was achieved through the resilience and hard work of cocoa farmers, supported by successive governments.
“Our collective responsibility is not only to maintain this leadership but to strengthen and expand it for the benefit of present and future generations.”
The Governor noted that to transform the cocoa sector into a globally competitive and sustainable industry, his administration has introduced several initiatives.
“Among the landmark initiatives are the composition of a Cocoa Board to drive the affairs of the cocoa sub-sector through the Cocoa Revolution and Management Agency, collaboration with relevant cocoa stakeholders, and the inauguration of the Ondo State Strategic Committee on European Union Deforestation-Free Regulation to ensure our cocoa complies with global standards.”
### *50,000 SEEDLINGS FOR 2026 PLANTING SEASON*
The Governor announced that 50,000 improved cocoa seedlings would be distributed free to cocoa farmers across the state for the 2026 planting season.
The programme is being implemented in collaboration with Olatunde International Company.
“This demonstrates government’s commitment to reducing the burden on farmers while promoting the establishment of new cocoa farms and the rehabilitation of ageing plantations with improved, high-yielding planting materials,” he said.
He explained that the improved seedlings are early maturing, high yielding, and have improved tolerance to major cocoa diseases.
“They will undoubtedly contribute to increased productivity, improved farmers’ income, and enhanced livelihoods of cocoa farming households across Ondo State.”
The Governor disclosed that government has commenced strategic collaborations with institutions and development partners, including the FAO GEF-7 FOLUR IP Project, for the rehabilitation of government-owned cocoa seed gardens in the state and the establishment of new ones.
“This will ensure steady and continuous production of improved hybrid cocoa pods and seedlings, thereby guaranteeing farmers sustainable access to quality planting materials for many years to come.”
He added that plans are underway to rehabilitate moribund cocoa plantations in the state through intensification to increase yield per hectare, including the existing government plantation at Oda Cocoa Farm Estate.
### *STAKEHOLDERS SPEAK*
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Ondo State Cocoa Revolution and Management Agency, Mr. Omolade Fabiyi, commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for his visionary leadership and Olatunde International Company for partnering with the state.
“To our esteemed cocoa farmers, I encourage you to make judicious use of the improved seedlings being distributed today. Together, through partnership, innovation, and commitment, we shall build a more prosperous, resilient, and globally competitive cocoa industry,” he said.
Also speaking, the CEO of Olatunde International Limited, Mr. Kayode Ogunsua, represented by Mr. Adebayo Damilola, said the company remains committed to partnerships that will improve cocoa production.
“Without farmers, there is no cocoa merchant. Cocoa traders must do everything possible to support farmers to improve their productivity,” he said. He noted that the cocoa value chain is capable of creating millions of job opportunities.
The Administrative Secretary of the Board, Mr. Anthony Omolakin, said the government has distributed 4,000,000 cocoa seedlings free to farmers in the last 6 years.
He, however, lamented that some farmers wasted the gesture by not planting the seedlings.
“Most who collected dumped the seedlings and they dried off because they didn’t pay a dime to get them. I urge beneficiaries of this distribution to plant and monitor them in accordance with best agricultural practices,” he said.
According to a statement made public by the Head of Media in the ministry, Sola Omoboyowa, various cocoa groups present at the event included the Cocoa Association of Nigeria, CAN, Cocoa Traders, Oda Cocoa Farm Association, and Olatunde International Farmers, among others.
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