Farmers in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State have received 11,000 free seedlings as part of a government program to boost food production for both local use and export. The seedlings include over 6,000 cashew trees, 3,000 cocoa trees, and 2,000 palm trees.

The initiative was launched at a ceremony held at Adokun Royal Hotel Field in Igan-Okoto. The Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, was represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Bolu Owotomo. He said the goal is to help Ogun State become more self-sufficient in food production.

Governor Abiodun emphasised that the government will continue supporting farmers. He highlighted the important role traditional farmers play in feeding the nation. He also announced that the government plans to distribute another 60,000 seedlings next year and help farmers with land clearing.

Crop seedling of oil palm  

The chairman of Yewa North council, Dr. Olusola Akinbode, thanked the state government for supporting agriculture and small-scale farmers with crop seedlings. He said the goal is for every household in the area to plant at least 20 cash crop trees.

Several community leaders, including former Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly Hon. Suraj Adekunbi and the Iyaloja-General of Ogun State, Alhaja Yemisi Abass, praised the effort. They described it as a rare and positive step for agriculture. They also thanked the governor for starting work on the second phase of the Imasai-Igan-Okoto-Ayetoro road and asked for the project to be completed soon.

Farmers who received the seedlings, like Mr. Femi Deyinola and Mrs. Oluwabunmi Binuyo, said they are grateful and will make good use of the crops to improve food supply in the area.

The event also included sessions led by experts on farming, safety, and health, with support from the Ogun State Agricultural Development Programme (OGADEP), local health officials, and the police.