SROL Rolls Out Cocoa, Plantain Support Programmes For Osun Farmers

Nigeria’s first large-scale gold mining company, Segilola Resources Operating Limited (SROL), has expanded its Livelihood Restoration Programme with the rollout of cocoa and plantain support initiatives aimed at strengthening sustainable livelihoods across its host communities in Osun State.

The intervention includes the continued implementation of its Cocoa Rehabilitation Programme and the introduction of a Plantain Rehabilitation Programme, designed to boost agricultural productivity and improve income generation among farmers affected by its operations.

The handover ceremony was held on Thursday, June 4, at the New Iperindo Town Hall in Iperindo, bringing together traditional rulers, community leaders, beneficiaries, and stakeholders across the company’s host communities.

Since the launch of the Livelihood Restoration Programme in 2023, SROL said it has introduced several agricultural empowerment initiatives, including fish farming, vegetable farming, and phased distribution of seedlings to support sustainable income sources beyond mining activities.

Under earlier phases of the cocoa programme, the company said 23 beneficiaries in each host community received 400 high-yield cocoa seedlings and agrochemicals, while its oil palm rehabilitation initiative supported seven beneficiaries per community with 100 improved oil palm seedlings each, along with agrochemical inputs.

In the latest phase, which covers the third stage of the Cocoa Rehabilitation Programme and the first phase of the Plantain Rehabilitation Programme, a total of 100 farmers across three host communities are benefiting from the intervention.

According to SROL, 70 farmers are enrolled under the cocoa rehabilitation scheme, while 30 farmers are participating in the plantain rehabilitation programme.

Each cocoa beneficiary received 500 high-yield cocoa seedlings and agrochemicals, while plantain farmers were provided with 100 plantain suckers and agrochemical inputs to enhance cultivation and productivity.

Speaking at the ceremony, Community Development and Stakeholder Manager at SROL, Madhurii Sarkar-Amoda, said the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to long-term community development.

“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,” she said.

She added that the programme is structured to ensure mining activities translate into lasting socio-economic benefits for host communities.

Community leaders at the event commended SROL for its sustained investment in agricultural empowerment, describing the intervention as impactful and consistent in improving livelihoods.

They also urged beneficiaries to make effective use of the inputs provided to ensure improved productivity and sustainable income generation.

SROL reiterated its commitment to responsible mining and inclusive development, noting that the Livelihood Restoration Programme remains central to its efforts to deliver long-term value to host communities in Osun State.