Adu Empowers Ifedore Farmers With 5,000 Cocoa Seedlings
By Olusegun HOSEA, Akure
A prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State, Comrade Adu Oluwaseun Rufus, has distributed 5,000 hybrid cocoa seedlings to farmers across the local government as part of efforts to boost agricultural production and improve rural livelihoods.
The empowerment programme, held at the Ifedore Local Government Secretariat, Igbara-Oke, saw farmers receive the improved cocoa seedlings, which Adu said were intended to support the agricultural development initiatives of the local government administration.
Adu, who represents Ijare Ward 2, said the gesture was his contribution to grassroots development and an effort to encourage hardworking farmers to embrace sustainable agriculture.
He urged the beneficiaries to regard the seedlings as investments capable of providing long-term economic benefits rather than ordinary gifts.
According to him, the hybrid cocoa varieties are bred for early maturity and high yield, but their success would depend largely on proper planting, regular maintenance, protection and effective farm management.
He said the initiative was also designed to support the administration of the Ifedore Local Government Chairman, Hon. Ajibola Oladipupo Amos, in his efforts to strengthen agriculture in the area.
Adu, who described himself as an agricultural expert, said the initiative was in line with the agricultural component of the “OUR EASE” agenda of the Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.
He commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for what he described as notable developmental strides across the state, particularly in infrastructure and community development.
He specifically cited the 8.7-kilometre Akure–Ikota–Ijare Road and the Eti-Mariwo–Ijare Road, saying improved road infrastructure would enhance the transportation of farm produce and provide farmers with better access to markets.
Adu also reaffirmed his support for Governor Aiyedatiwa and declared his commitment to the re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of Ifedore Local Government, Hon. Ajibola Oladipupo Amos, expressed appreciation to Adu for the donation, describing it as a timely intervention that would further strengthen agriculture in the local government.
Amos said his administration had prioritised agricultural empowerment, adding that tomato farmers had been trained and provided with chemicals and water pumps, while fertilizer, tomato seedlings and palm seedlings had also been distributed to farmers.
He disclosed that the council had introduced various interventions for students, women, youths and elderly residents, including bursary support, distribution of laptops, construction of bridges and markets, and installation of solar-powered street lights.
The chairman also said women and youths had received N100,000 business support, while elderly residents receive N20,000 monthly as part of the council’s social intervention programmes.
He added that beneficiaries of the latest empowerment programme would receive various agricultural inputs, including fertilizer and hybrid cocoa seedlings.
Also speaking, the Head of Local Government Administration (HOLGA), Ifedore, Mrs. Awolere, commended Adu and the council chairman for supporting farmers.
Awolere urged the beneficiaries to plant and nurture the seedlings properly, warning them against selling the seedlings, as such action would undermine the long-term objectives of the empowerment programme.
She encouraged the farmers to demonstrate patience and commitment, noting that proper management of the cocoa farms could provide sustainable sources of income in the future.
The event was attended by political leaders, government officials, community stakeholders, farmers and party leaders, including the APC Chairman in Ifedore, Prince Adegbonmire; Vice Chairman, Rt. Hon. Oluyi; councillors, women leaders, party chairmen across the local government and other dignitaries.
The distribution of the 5,000 hybrid cocoa seedlings is expected to contribute to increased agricultural production, empower rural farmers and strengthen the economic base of Ifedore Local Government.
