Segilola Resources Operating Limited Advances Cocoa Rehabilitation Program, Launches Plantain Rehabilitation To Strengthen Sustainable Livelihoods In Host Communities

Nigeria’s first large-scale gold mining company, Segilola Resources Operating Limited (SROL), has expanded its Livelihood Restoration Programme by launching the first phase of its Plantain Rehabilitation Programme and advancing its Cocoa Rehabilitation Programme (now in its third phase), providing agricultural support to 100 farmers across its host communities in Osun State.

The handover ceremony, held on Thursday, June 4, at the New Iperindo Town Hall in Iperindo, brought together traditional rulers, community leaders, beneficiaries, and key stakeholders from SROL’s host communities to celebrate another milestone in the company’s commitment to sustainable community development.

The latest intervention underscores SROL’s dedication to creating long-term economic opportunities for its host communities by supporting agriculture, strengthening livelihoods, and promoting environmentally sustainable income-generating activities.

Since the launch of the Livelihood Restoration Programme in 2023, SROL has implemented a range of initiatives designed to restore and improve the livelihoods of project-affected persons. Beyond financial compensation, the company has invested in agricultural empowerment programmes including fish farming, vegetable farming, and phased seedling distribution initiatives aimed at supporting sustainable income generation and long-term economic resilience.

Building on the success of its earlier rehabilitation initiatives, SROL has continued to deepen its support for local farmers through the current cocoa and plantain rehabilitation phases. Under the second phase of the Cocoa Rehabilitation Programme, 23 beneficiaries from each host community received 400 high-yield cocoa seedlings and agrochemicals, while the first phase of the Oil Palm Rehabilitation Programme provided seven beneficiaries from the host communities with 100 high-yield oil palm seedlings and agrochemicals each.

Under the third phase of the Cocoa Rehabilitation Programme and the first phase of the Plantain Rehabilitation Programme, a total of 100 farmers across SROL’s three host communities will benefit from the initiative. Seventy beneficiaries have been enrolled in the cocoa rehabilitation programme, while 30 beneficiaries are participating in the plantain rehabilitation programme.

As part of the intervention, each cocoa rehabilitation beneficiary received 500 high-yield cocoa seedlings, along with agrochemicals, while each plantain rehabilitation beneficiary received 100 plantain suckers and agrochemicals to support cultivation and improve productivity.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Madhurii Sarkar-Amoda, Community Development and Stakeholder Manager at Segilola Resources Operating Limited, said:

“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 representatives also commended SROL for its sustained investment in improving livelihoods across its host communities, noting that the company has consistently implemented impactful empowerment programmes. They encouraged beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity by ensuring that the provided seedlings and resources contribute to increased productivity and sustainable income generation.

Through initiatives such as the Livelihood Restoration Programme, SROL continues to demonstrate that responsible mining can generate lasting value. By empowering people, fostering sustainable livelihoods, and driving inclusive socio-economic development, the company is creating meaningful and enduring progress across its host communities.