By: Theresa Igata

…Set to Topple Ondo, Cross River as a frontline cocoa producer

Governor Ademola Adeleke has unveiled a massive agricultural expansion report, revealing that his administration has planted over half a million cash crop seedlings since 2023 as part of a strategic drive to diversify the state’s economy.

The Governor shared these milestones on Friday in Osogbo while receiving a comprehensive report on the state’s agricultural sector, according to a statement by his spokesperson, Malam Olawale Rasheed.

The “Big Three”: Cocoa, Cashew, and Oil Palm
The cornerstone of the report is the Cocoa Expansion Initiative, which has seen 400,000 cocoa seedlings planted and distributed to farmers at highly subsidized rates since 2023.

Governor Adeleke expressed confidence that Osun is on a clear path to reclaiming its status as a frontline cocoa producer, even setting his sights on overtaking industry leaders like Ondo and Cross River states.

Beyond cocoa, the Governor announced significant progress in other high-value sectors:

Cashew: 80,000 seedlings planted since 2023 to meet surging global demand.

Oil Palm: 60,000 seedlings planted during the same period.

“We are targeting these three major cash crops in our diversification drive,” Adeleke stated. “We want to be known as a hub not only for cocoa but also for cashew and oil palm.”

Mechanization and “Tractorisation”
The Governor also highlighted a shift toward modern farming. Despite financial hurdles, including withheld local government allocations, the state has successfully deployed 31 tractors of a planned 117.

Since 2025, these tractors have cultivated 4,511 acres for local farmers at subsidized rates. Adeleke noted that this represents a “significant improvement” over the mechanization levels of previous administrations, describing his team as a “pro-farmer government.”

Political Backing for the “Pro-Farmer” Governor
The administration’s focus on input distribution and affordable tractor services has resonated with the local farming community.

During the report presentation, Governor Adeleke commended the All Farmers’ Association in Osun for their formal endorsement of his re-election bid, citing their support as a testament to the success of his rural and agricultural policies.