As part of initiatives of the Kwara state government to enhance agriculture produce that will address food insecurity, about 10,000 farmers have received Brazilian Jumbo cashew seedlings from a non-government organization, Jife Foundation.                  

Distribution of the cashew seedlings, tagged planting the tree of generational wealth by the foundation was held at Iludun-Oro Anglican Girl’s College, Irepodun local government area of the state.                              

Speaking at the event, the founder, Mr. Deji Adeleke, said that the aim was to empower 10,000 households with Brazilian jumbo cashew seedlings “to boost commerce in the local government area and environs with a view to promoting wealth creation through innovative agro-preneurs.”                   

He said that the primary focus of the Foundation, which was officially launched at the event, will strategically reposition youth leadership, technology, education and innovative agro-preneurs deficit.                           

“Distribution of cashew seedlings, a follow-up to Jife Foundation’s computer skills empowerment, would broaden opportunities for youth domiciled in the local government. It would promote commerce on a larger scale”.              

Also speaking, co-founder of the Foundation, Mrs Ife Adeleke, urged beneficiaries to form cashew cooperatives for maximum utilisation of the gesture. 

She stressed that opportunities abound in Brazilian jumbo cashews, saying that it has the potential to produce thrice annually, after three years of nurturing.        

“Mass production of the cashew would inject more money, entrench shared prosperity and attract factories into the neighbourhood”, Mrs Adeleke said.    

In her address, Kwara State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs Oloruntoyosi Thomas, who represented Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, commended the Foundation for its foresight and demonstration of zeal to strengthen the capacity of farmers.

Representatives of farmers, Mrs. Victoria Dada and Mr. Olawuyi Olabode assured the Foundation of their determination to ensure the success of the scheme. 

“We would plant the seedlings with enthusiasm; expecting bountiful harvests after three years”.