Ondo State Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has approved the appointment of a seven-member Cocoa Revolution and Management Board as part of efforts to transform the state’s cocoa industry and restore its position as Nigeria’s leading cocoa-producing state.

The board will coordinate policies, engage stakeholders, attract investment and promote innovation across the cocoa value chain under the government’s Cocoa Revolution Agenda.

Why it matters

Cocoa remains one of Ondo State’s most valuable agricultural products and a major source of income for thousands of farming families.

Industry analysts say improving productivity, processing capacity and market access could create more jobs, increase export earnings and strengthen the state’s internally generated revenue.

Agriculture experts have long argued that sustained investment in improved seedlings, extension services and access to finance is essential if Nigeria is to remain competitive in the global cocoa market.

Who will serve on the board?

The newly appointed members are:

Mr. Omolade Fabiyi – Chairman

Alhaji Taiwo Ayoade – Member

Dr. Jibayo Oyebade – Member

Hon. Augustine Oloruntogbe – Member

Akinbola Omolade Franklin – Member

Tope Oni – Member

Anthony Omolakin – Secretary

Governor outlines expectations

Governor Aiyedatiwa congratulated the appointees and urged them to justify the confidence placed in them.

He called on the board members to bring “their wealth of experience, integrity, and commitment to bear in delivering on the mandate of the Board.”

The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting cocoa farmers through improved seedlings, easier access to finance, extension services and modern processing facilities to increase productivity and profitability.

He said he was confident the initiative would create jobs, improve the state’s revenue base and provide a sustainable future for cocoa-producing communities.

Expert perspective

Agricultural economists say governance reforms can improve investor confidence in the cocoa sector, provided they are backed by consistent implementation, transparent funding and regular engagement with farmers.

They note that expanding local cocoa processing could also enable farmers to earn more from value-added products rather than relying mainly on raw bean exports.

Public and industry reaction

Many cocoa farmers are expected to welcome the move, particularly if it leads to quicker access to improved seedlings, agricultural loans and better extension support.

Stakeholders say the success of the initiative will ultimately depend on how effectively the board works with farming communities, cooperatives and private investors.

What’s next?

The board is expected to begin implementing the state’s Cocoa Revolution Agenda by coordinating development programmes, mobilising stakeholders and encouraging investments aimed at increasing cocoa production and strengthening the value chain.

Its performance is likely to be closely watched by farmers, investors and agricultural organisations looking for measurable improvements in productivity and rural livelihoods.

Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has ordered a comprehensive audit of a disputed forest reserve concession linked to Rex Forestry Limited in Ondo West Local Government Area.

The move comes amid growing concerns from farming communities over land ownership, cultivation rights and the future of cocoa plantations within the reserve.

Speaking during a meeting with farmers from 27 affected communities in Akure on Monday, the governor said the state government would rely on verified data rather than speculation in determining the actual size and boundaries of the concession.

Why the audit matters

The dispute centres on conflicting claims about the size of the concession granted to Rex Forestry.

While figures cited range between 37,000 and 50,000 hectares, local communities argue that around 10,000 hectares are currently being cultivated by farmers.

To establish the facts, Governor Aiyedatiwa directed the state’s Surveyor-General to conduct a detailed verification and demarcation exercise.

The governor said the review is part of broader efforts to create a structured land-use framework capable of accommodating both local farmers and private investors.

Such a framework, he argued, is necessary to prevent recurring conflicts over land ownership while supporting economic growth.

Farmers assured over cocoa plantations

One of the major concerns raised by farmers was the possibility of losing established cocoa farms.

Governor Aiyedatiwa sought to ease those fears, assuring residents that no cocoa plantations would be destroyed during the audit process.

“They are not touching your cocoa trees until we finish verification,” he said.

The governor added that even if future adjustments become necessary, the government would avoid forced displacement.

Instead, affected farmers would be supported through a phased transition programme that could include alternative farmland allocations and the provision of seedlings.

Mixed land-use model proposed

A key element of the state’s emerging strategy is a mixed land-use system that combines smallholder farming with large-scale agribusiness investment.

Governor Aiyedatiwa said both groups play critical roles in agricultural development and economic expansion.

He argued that major investors contribute to job creation, industrial development and rural infrastructure, while local farmers remain central to food production and community livelihoods.

The governor also reiterated that concessions legally granted by previous administrations remain valid and that policy continuity is important for investor confidence.

Investment and infrastructure

The governor highlighted ongoing private-sector investments in rural areas, including the construction of a 27-kilometre road valued at approximately N1 billion.

According to him, the project is expected to improve access to farming communities, reduce transportation challenges and create employment opportunities for local youths.

Analysts say rural infrastructure remains one of the biggest constraints facing agricultural productivity in many parts of Nigeria.

Improved road networks can help farmers access markets more efficiently, reduce post-harvest losses and attract additional investment into agricultural value chains.

Government seeks balance between communities and investors

The Chief Executive Officer of Ondo State Development and Investment Promotion Agency, Emmanuel Omomowo, said the government had been working to resolve disputes linked to investor concessions within forest reserves.

He noted that Rex Forestry holds a 37,000-hectare concession but acknowledged that boundary uncertainties and competing claims had made government intervention necessary.

Omomowo expressed confidence that the governor’s decision would produce a solution that protects both community interests and investment opportunities.

Farmers welcome governor’s intervention

The General Chairman of the Ondo Ilulade Cocoa Farmers Cooperative Society, Chief Philip Akinbanjo, welcomed the governor’s assurance that cocoa farms would not be affected during the review.

He called on farmers to continue cooperating with the state government as the verification process moves forward.

Rex Forestry backs government’s approach

Also speaking, Olu Agunloye said the company had previously agreed with the Ministry of Agriculture to allow farmers to continue cultivation in areas of the concession that had not been cleared.

He added that the company accepted the governor’s directive and would operate within the framework being developed by the government.

According to him, the goal is to ensure peaceful coexistence between local farmers and investors.

What happens next?

The next stage will involve a detailed survey and demarcation of the disputed land by state authorities.

The outcome is expected to determine the precise boundaries of the concession and guide future land-use decisions.

For thousands of farmers and residents in affected communities, the audit could shape the future of agricultural production, rural livelihoods and investment in one of Nigeria’s leading cocoa-producing states.

Nigeria’s first large-scale gold mining company, Segilola Resources Operating Limited (SROL), has launched the first phase of its Plantain Rehabilitation Programme and advanced the third phase of its Cocoa Rehabilitation Programme as part of efforts to strengthen sustainable livelihoods in communities affected by its operations in Osun State.

The initiative will provide agricultural support to 100 farmers across the company’s host communities, with beneficiaries receiving improved planting materials and agrochemicals aimed at boosting productivity and income generation.

The handover ceremony took place at the New Iperindo Town Hall in Iperindo on 4 June, bringing together traditional rulers, community leaders, beneficiaries and other stakeholders.

The latest intervention forms part of SROL’s Livelihood Restoration Programme, which was established in 2023 to help project-affected persons rebuild and improve their sources of income beyond financial compensation.

Why It Matters

Agriculture remains one of the largest sources of employment and income in rural Nigeria, particularly in Osun State where cocoa farming contributes significantly to household earnings and local economic activity.

Development experts say access to improved seedlings and farming inputs can help smallholder farmers increase yields, improve food security and strengthen resilience against economic shocks.

The programme also reflects a growing expectation that mining companies contribute to the long-term development of communities where they operate, beyond extracting natural resources.

What Farmers Will Receive

According to SROL, the latest phase of the programme will support 70 cocoa farmers and 30 plantain farmers across its three host communities.

Under the cocoa rehabilitation scheme, each beneficiary received 500 high-yield cocoa seedlings alongside agrochemicals designed to improve cultivation outcomes.

Beneficiaries of the new plantain rehabilitation programme received 100 plantain suckers and agrochemicals to support production and increase farm productivity.

The company said the initiative builds on earlier interventions.

During the second phase of the Cocoa Rehabilitation Programme, 23 beneficiaries from each host community received 400 high-yield cocoa seedlings and agrochemicals. Meanwhile, the first phase of the Oil Palm Rehabilitation Programme provided seven beneficiaries from host communities with 100 high-yield oil palm seedlings and agrochemicals each.

Since launching the Livelihood Restoration Programme, SROL has also supported fish farming and vegetable farming projects aimed at creating alternative and sustainable income opportunities.

Company Statement

Speaking during the handover ceremony, SROL’s Community Development and Stakeholder Manager, said the company remained committed to supporting long-term economic development within its host communities.

“Agriculture remains a vital source of livelihood for many families within our host communities. Through the Livelihood Restoration Programme, we are equipping farmers with the resources they need to improve productivity, increase their incomes, and build more sustainable futures.

“This initiative reflects our commitment to ensuring that the benefits of our operations extend beyond mining and contribute meaningfully to the long-term economic growth and resilience of our host communities.”

Community Leaders Welcome Initiative

Community representatives praised the company for maintaining investment in livelihood programmes and agricultural empowerment initiatives.

They noted that previous interventions had supported local farmers and encouraged beneficiaries to make effective use of the seedlings and other resources provided.

Local leaders said successful implementation could help improve agricultural output, create employment opportunities and support household incomes across the affected communities.

Industry Perspective

Across Africa’s mining sector, community development programmes have increasingly become a key measure of responsible mining practices.

Industry analysts note that initiatives focused on agriculture often deliver wider benefits because they support local food production, create sustainable livelihoods and provide economic opportunities that can continue long after mining activities end.

By combining mining operations with agricultural development programmes, companies can help reduce dependency on a single industry while promoting inclusive economic growth.

What Happens Next?

The success of the cocoa and plantain rehabilitation programmes is likely to be measured by improvements in crop yields, farmer incomes and long-term sustainability over the coming years.

SROL says it intends to continue implementing programmes that promote economic resilience and community development across its host communities.

The company argues that responsible mining should create lasting social and economic value alongside mineral extraction.