In a bid to promote sustainable agriculture and economic empowerment, Tobiloba Olagbende, CEO of Witford Nigeria Limited, has announced a bold initiative to plant 3 million cashew trees in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, over the next five years.
Spearheaded by Witford Agro Services, the programme aims to train and equip youths and women in the community with modernised cultivation techniques, providing them with the necessary resources to make cashew farming a profitable venture.
The initiative, which commenced in April, began with a series of training sessions aimed at ensuring the appropriate knowledge and skillset is passed across to all participants before planting season in September.
Olagbende explained that the project is designed to educate the underserved population on the lucrativeness of cashew farming, providing them with modernised cultivation techniques to ensure bountiful harvests. Participants will also receive cashew seedlings and bedding materials to support their new ventures.
“Our goal is to equip 100,000 youths and women in Ogbomoso with the skills and resources to cultivate cashew as a viable cash crop,” he said.
“We believe this will not only uplift families by creating a source of income but also position Oyo State as a major producer and exporter of high-quality cashew nuts.”
Witford Nigeria Limited has been a key player in the cashew planting industry since its inception in 2016.
The company has focused on advancing sustainable agriculture in Oyo State, ensuring that the benefits of this venture reach those who need it most.
According to Olagbende, the new initiative is a natural extension of the company’s long-term commitment to the community.
“What inspired me to pursue this project was witnessing the untapped potential of Ogbomoso’s fertile lands and the eagerness of its people to learn and grow,” he shared. “Cashew farming is an opportunity to transform lives, and with the right training and support, these farmers can produce cashew that meets international standards, making Oyo State a hub for cashew export in Nigeria.”
The training program focuses on best practices for cashew cultivation, covering everything from planting techniques to pest control and post-harvest handling. Olagbende emphasized that the initiative is not just about increasing cashew tree numbers but also about equipping participants with the knowledge to achieve high yields and quality produce.
“We want to ensure that the cashew grown here in Ogbomoso can compete on the global stage,” he said. “By training the next generation of cashew farmers, we are creating a sustainable future for the agricultural sector in Oyo State.”
The impact of this initiative is expected to extend beyond Ogbomoso. Olagbende believes that by empowering local farmers with modern agricultural knowledge, the entire cashew value chain in Nigeria will benefit. This could ultimately boost the country’s position in the international cashew market, where demand for high-quality produce continues to rise.
“Empowering these 100,000 youths and women will have a ripple effect on the agricultural industry, creating new job opportunities, enhancing local economies, and driving growth in the sector,” Olagbende noted.
“We see this as a pivotal step towards making Nigeria a top exporter of cashew and its byproducts.”
With the initial phase of the initiative already underway, anticipation is high among participants on the potential impact of the project on their lives and their communities. The company’s outreach efforts have already generated interest from communities across Ogbomoso, eager to take part in this transformative project.
Source:The Nation
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