Business
Firm Distributes Over 266,000 Cocoa Seedlings To 11 States
About 9000 farmers across 11 cocoa producing states in Nigeria have benefitted from the distribution of over 266,000 cocoa seedlings and 6,000 shade tree seedlings distributed by Johnvents Group.
The initiative, according to the leading indigenous agribusiness and manufacturing company, is part of its commitment to sustainable agriculture across the country.
The large-scale initiative, executed under the company’s sustainability program Project Nourished Crop, Better Farmer, is also aimed at rehabilitating and regenerating cocoa farms in preparation for the upcoming planting season.
According to the company, the distribution supports its long-term target of empowering 150,000 cocoa farmers across 300,000 hectares of farmland by 2030.
The states covered in the distribution include Ondo, Cross River, Osun, Ekiti, Ogun, Akwa Ibom, and Abia, with key delivery figures such as: 61,000 seedlings in Ikom (Cross River state
Also, about 50,000 seedlings were distributed to farmers in Idanre and Oda, over 20,000 in Owo, 10,000 in Ile-Oluji in Ondo state, while 5,000 were distributed in Ila (Osun), 15,000 seedlings each in Ekiti and Ogun, and 20,000 in Ife, while Akwa Ibom and Abia received 10,000 seedlings combined.
Speaking on the initiative, the Group’s Sustainability Country Lead, Ebenezer Kehinde, said the program ensures that farmers are adequately equipped as the rainy season approaches.
He said: “This initiative is part of our yearly commitment to the farming communities. As we approach the rainy season, it’s crucial that our farmers are fully equipped.
“This seedling distribution provides them with the essential tools, including seedlings, farm seeds, and sustainable farming practices, to help boost their productivity for the season ahead.
“This distribution is a vital step towards advancing Johnvents Group’s objectives of regenerative farming, with an emphasis on both cocoa and shade trees.
“By introducing shade trees alongside cocoa plants, Johnvents is fostering an environment where farmers can increase their yields while maintaining a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to farming.
“These efforts play an integral role in enhancing food security, improving farmer livelihoods, and contributing to the overall growth of the global cocoa industry.
“As part of its long-term sustainability vision, Johnvents Group will continue expanding its efforts with additional seedling distributions planned in the coming months.
“Through collaborative partnerships with farmers and industry stakeholders, Johnvents remains dedicated to driving lasting change in the cocoa sector and strengthening the foundation for a globally competitive agricultural value chain.”
He said beyond cocoa, the inclusion of shade trees underscores Johnvents’ regenerative agriculture model—enhancing yields, preserving the environment, and fostering climate-smart farming.
The company noted that additional distributions are planned in the coming months, in line with its broader sustainability goals and partnership-driven approach to strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural value chain.
Johnvents Group is an indigenous agribusiness and manufacturing company operating across production, processing, manufacturing, and distribution.
Its subsidiaries include Johnvents Cocoa Factory, Johnvents Trading, Johnvents Foods, Johnvents Farms, Premium Cocoa Product (Ile-Oluji), Haven Hauling, and Johnvents Industries DMCC.
With a focus on value creation, food security, and global competitiveness, the Group continues to play a leading role in advancing Nigeria’s cocoa and agricultural sectors through innovation, partnerships, and farmer empowerment.