"Go and Plant, Go and Prosper": NLPM Flags Off 500,000 Cocoa Seedlings Distribution to Drive Renewed Hope Agricultural Revolution in Osun

 

Oriontimes News Desk | July 10, 2026

The Next Level Progressive Movement (NLPM), Osun State Chapter, has flagged off the distribution of 500,000 improved cocoa seedlings to farmers in Obokun Local Government Area, describing the initiative as a strategic investment in agriculture, rural prosperity and economic revival.

The programme, held at the APC Secretariat, Abe Igi Aanu, Otan-Ile, was organised in support of the Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO) governorship project and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with party leaders emphasising that agriculture remains the fastest path to wealth creation and sustainable development.

Delivering his keynote address, Hon. Owoeye Samuel Abiodun (OSA), Director-General of the Next Level Progressive Movement and Chairman of Obokun East LCDA, said the distribution marked the beginning of a new era for cocoa production in Osun State.

According to him, the initiative is designed to place "the tools of prosperity" directly into the hands of cocoa farmers, who he described as the backbone of food security and rural development.

"Today is not just another day. Today is the day of AMBO. Today is the day of Renewed Hope. We are gathered here to put the tools of prosperity directly into the hands of those who feed this nation, our cocoa farmers," he declared.

Cocoa Is Wealth, Not Just a Crop

Highlighting the economic importance of cocoa, Owoeye said the crop has remained one of Osun State's most valuable agricultural assets, sustaining thousands of families over the years.

"Cocoa is not just a crop; cocoa is wealth. Cocoa pays school fees, settles hospital bills and provides livelihoods for families. It remains one of the pillars of Osun's economy," he said.

He noted that many farmers have struggled for years with ageing plantations and poor-yield seedlings, stressing that the distribution of improved varieties would significantly boost productivity and farmers' incomes.

The initiative, he explained, aligns with the agricultural vision of the APC and seeks to encourage widespread cocoa replanting across communities in Obokun and beyond.

Renewed Hope Through Agriculture

Owoeye said the programme reflects the commitment of the APC to translate the Renewed Hope Agenda into practical interventions capable of improving the lives of rural residents.

He added that the movement is determined to support policies that will increase agricultural output, create employment opportunities for young people and stimulate local economies.

"When the farm is productive, the home is peaceful. When the farm is productive, our youths will stay and build this nation instead of leaving in search of opportunities elsewhere," he stated.

Beyond Seedlings: Building a Sustainable Cocoa Economy

The NLPM Director-General explained that the intervention goes beyond distributing seedlings, revealing that beneficiaries would also receive technical support through partnerships with cocoa farmers' associations and agricultural experts.

According to him, the movement is focused on developing a sustainable cocoa value chain capable of positioning "Obokun Cocoa" as a recognised brand within Nigeria and the international market.

He said the long-term vision is to transform cocoa farming from subsistence agriculture into commercial wealth creation.

Charge to Farmers

Addressing beneficiaries, Owoeye urged farmers to nurture and protect the improved seedlings to ensure maximum yields.

He reminded them that while government and political leaders could provide support, the success of the initiative ultimately depends on the commitment and hard work of the farmers themselves.

"Plant them well and protect them. These seedlings are your new source of income. Your dedication will transform them into bags of cocoa and bags of prosperity," he said.

Dr. Oyebade: Agriculture Will Drive Osun's Prosperity

Also speaking, Dr. Gboyega Oyebade, Commissioner at the Federal Civil Service Commission, described the programme as a practical demonstration of agricultural development rather than mere political rhetoric.

He said the distribution of cocoa seedlings represents a new orientation towards prosperity, adding that the vision of Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO) is anchored on agriculture, education, economic growth, infrastructure development and youth empowerment.

According to him, an AMBO-led administration would prioritise cocoa replanting across all local governments to restore Osun's position as one of Nigeria's leading cocoa-producing states.

Recalling his childhood experience, Dr. Oyebade said proceeds from his father's cocoa plantation funded the education of seven children, underscoring the transformative role agriculture can play in family welfare and economic development.

"My father sponsored about seven of us through school with the money he realised from cocoa plantations. That is why I understand the importance of investing in agriculture," he said.

He assured farmers that the proposed administration would sustain policies aimed at rejuvenating agricultural production, improving farmers' livelihoods and promoting value addition across the cocoa sector.

The flag-off ceremony attracted a large gathering of APC leaders, government officials, traditional rulers' representatives, cocoa farmers, women groups and party faithful. Dignitaries present included Hon. Abiodun Idowu, Chairman of the occasion and ALGON Chairman; Engr. Maaruf Kayode Ogundipe (Murphy), Executive Chairman of Obokun Local Government; Chief Owoeye Samuel Abiodun (OSA), Chairman of Obokun East LCDA and Director-General of the Next Level Progressive Movement; Mrs. Ayo Owoeye; Dr. Gboyega Oyebade, Commissioner at the Federal Civil Service Commission and former Osun State Head of Service; former Special Adviser to the Governor on Health; Prof. Siji Olamiju Akol; Hon. Agboola Ogunbiyi; Hon. Fafiyebi; Hon. Oyebamiji Oyewole; APC LCDA Chairman; representatives of the APC Director-General Campaign Organisation, Hon. Oluwole Oke, the Chief Imam and Christian leaders; executives of the Cocoa Farmers Association; APC ward chairmen; ward women leaders; members of the Iron Ladies Group; the Owoeye Sisters; as well as hundreds of cocoa farmers and supporters who turned out for the historic agricultural empowerment programme.

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