Hundreds of cocoa farmers in Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State received a major agricultural boost on Thursday as the Next Level Progressive Movement distributed high-yield hybrid cocoa seedlings under its flagship agricultural empowerment initiative, tagged "Cocoa AMBO."
The distribution programme, held at Otan-Ile, brought together political leaders, agricultural stakeholders, community leaders, and cocoa farmers in a concerted effort to strengthen cocoa production and improve the economic fortunes of farming communities across the local government.
The initiative, championed by the Director General of the Next Level Progressive Movement, Hon. Owoeye Samuel Abiodun, is aimed at revitalizing cocoa farming through the distribution of improved hybrid seedlings capable of delivering higher yields, enhanced disease resistance, and improved productivity.
The programme aligns with ongoing efforts to expand agricultural production, increase rural incomes, and stimulate economic growth in Osun State through sustainable investment in the cocoa value chain.
Leading the distribution were the Director General of APC Ijesa North Federal Constituency Mobilization, Prof. Olasiji Olamiju, and the Renewed Hope Ambassador for Obokun Local Government, Amb. Otunba Ajibola Olujobi, alongside the Chairman of Obokun Local Government, Hon. Engr. Abdul Moruf Ogundipe, who jointly flagged off the empowerment programme.
Addressing participants, Hon. Owoeye Samuel Abiodun said the Cocoa AMBO initiative reflects the movement's commitment to grassroots development by supporting farmers with improved planting materials capable of transforming cocoa production across Obokun and beyond.
He noted that increasing cocoa productivity remains essential to improving household incomes, creating employment opportunities, and strengthening Osun State's agricultural economy.
The highlight of the event was the symbolic presentation of the hybrid cocoa seedlings to selected beneficiaries by the dignitaries, signalling the official commencement of the distribution exercise.
In his remarks, Prof. Olasiji Olamiju commended the Next Level Progressive Movement for investing in agriculture, describing cocoa farming as a strategic sector capable of driving economic diversification, wealth creation, and sustainable development. He urged beneficiaries to make effective use of the improved seedlings to achieve higher productivity and contribute meaningfully to food security and economic growth.
Also speaking, Amb. Otunba Ajibola Olujobi described the programme as a practical demonstration of the All Progressives Congress (APC)'s commitment to empowering rural farmers and strengthening the agricultural sector. He assured farmers of continued support through initiatives that promote agricultural development and improve livelihoods.
The event attracted several party leaders, government officials, community representatives, and stakeholders from across Obokun Local Government.
Among the dignitaries present were the Chairman of Obokun Local Government, Hon. Engr. Abdul Moruf Ogundipe; Dr. Festus Olowogboyega; Dr. Victor Olaniyi; Hon. Ismail Fafiyebi; Hon. Enoch Agboola; community leaders, APC executives, party stakeholders, and representatives of farming groups from various communities.
Beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the organizers for the intervention, describing the distribution of improved hybrid cocoa seedlings as a timely investment in the future of cocoa farming. They pledged to cultivate the seedlings diligently to achieve better harvests, improve their incomes, and contribute to the continued growth of Osun State's cocoa industry.
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