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Take Advantage of Osun Cocoa Potential, Adeleke Tells Chocolate Producers, Stakeholders

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The Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has urged investors to tap into the potentials of cocoa in the state, saying that his administration is already taking steps in addressing past challenges that stunted growth of the sector.

Addressing a global audience of investors in the cocoa sector in London, the United Kingdom, on Wednesday, Governor Adeleke noted that Osun brand of cocoa is highly sought after by end users providing investors with a guarantee of returns for their investments.

Governor Adeleke, according to a statement by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, pointed out that Osun is a major cocoa belt in Nigeria to underscore opportunities, and outlined ongoing efforts by his government to expand the production base and unleash the benefits of the sector for both the state and investors.

“Our cocoa is the traditional species which has the best taste in chocolate and other related products. Our brand is therefore much sought after by end users,” Governor Adeleke remarked.

“Our cocoa sector faces several challenges, several of which include the need to expand the production base, ensure entrance of young farmers, ease access to finance, deepen the value chain among others.

“It was in pursuance of the above that I launched the Osun Cocoa Revival Agenda in January this year.

The agenda focuses on assembling stakeholders to design an updated revival implementation plan; get the cocoa industry company in the state running again; put life back into the cocoa farming sub-sector through demonstration of political will; get more investors into the value chain through ease of doing business.

Others include setting up a domestic export terminal in Osun state to ease export process and access to international market; partnering with the Nigerian Railway Corporation for easy of transport; upgrading local infrastructures for farming community; setting up a modified commodity boards to strengthen stakeholders’ finance; develop partnership with financial institutions to support the cocoa farming community;

The Governor also listed the development of relationship with the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) for agric tech and innovations; and establishment of strong partnership with the Cocoa Research Institute for partnership and collaboration engagement.

The Governor said he has directed the state Ministry of Agriculture to establish high yielding cocoa nurseries across the local governments ; prepares an action plan for the rehabilitation of old cocoa plantations in term of facilities and re-plantation; open up new cocoa estates with young farmers; introduce deliberate programme to protect cocoa farms from destructive activities of miners and mining activities.

Describing his cocoa plan as very ambitious, Governor Adeleke said his administration plans to resuscitate the State owned cocoa processing industry at Ede for value chain addition; link the cocoa revival plan with climate agenda, establish
cottage cocoa factories across the state Under an industry cluster agenda among others.

The Governor called on “our business friends in the United Kingdom and Europe as well as North America to partner with us for mutual interest in the cocoa sector. We are widely open to investors who are interested in the value chain of the cocoa sector as well as shareholding in the existing cocoa ventures.

“Your coming to Osun is assured to be very rewarding for many reasons. Our government has enhanced the ease of doing business Osjn through an end to multiple taxation and facilitation of access to land and simplification of the approval system.

“We are open to supporting government to government, government to business, business to business arrangements. We are a willing partner and my team is here to negotiate deals and partnership”, the Governor assured the cocoa conference.

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Glo Extends “Borrow Me Credit” Services for Customer Inclusion

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National telecommunications operator, Globacom has extended its “Borrow Me Credit” service in a calculated move meant to guarantee that none of its customers will ever be disconnected because of a low or zero airtime balance.

According to a statement released by Globacom in Lagos, the service’s eligibility requirements have been simplified to offer millions of active prepaid consumers nationwide quick airtime and data solutions. The company made it clear that even though there is a service fee, the main objective is still to provide instant assistance whenever the customer’s balance is low.

The enhanced “Borrow Me Credit” service also allows subscribers to “Borrow Special Data “and additionally “Borrow Airtime/Data for Others”. This allows Glo customers to act as a lifeline for friends and family members who may be out of reach or unable to recharge immediately, further strengthening the bonds of the Glo community through shared connectivity.

“Whether it is an urgent business call, a late-night research project, or staying in touch with loved ones during an emergency, Glo’s “Borrow Me Credit” ensures that a low balance never results in a zero-communication experience,” the company hinted.

The service caters to a wide range of customer needs, with airtime and data denominations available from as low as N25 up to N4,000, ensuring flexible options for different usage requirements.

Globacom added that the structure of the service is designed to ensure higher borrowing limits to customers with stronger usage profile and greater engagement on the network.

By maintaining a consistent presence on the network, prepaid customers unlock various tiers of credit and data, ranging from basic emergency airtime to substantial Data Plans “Borrow Me Credit” ensures that the service is sustainable and provides the most frequent users with higher limits to match their digital lifestyle.

All eligible Glo prepaid customers are encouraged to explore the benefits of the “Borrow Me Credit” service by simply dialing *303# and choosing from the available airtime or data options. Customers can also visit the official Globacom website for more information regarding eligibility criteria and the service charge policy.

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Bandits Invade Kwara Community, Abduct Scores, Set Emir’s Palace Ablaze

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Suspected bandits have reportedly invaded the Yashikira community in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, early this morning, setting the Emir’s palace ablaze and abducting several residents, including women and children.

It was gathered that the attack occurred late at night when the heavily armed assailants stormed the community, firing sporadically.

According to sources in the area, the gunmen attacked the palace during the invasion, setting parts of the royal residence on fire before whisking away multiple victims.

Residents said the attackers operated for hours without resistance, leaving behind destruction and fear in the border community.

Another local source described the incident as terrifying, noting that villagers were caught unaware as the gunmen invaded the town under the cover of darkness.

Sources say Security forces have launched immediate rescue operations to free victims of the Yashikira abduction, which occurred on Sunday night.

Military and police operatives have established a cordon in the area as part of the efforts to rescue about 10 persons who were reportedly taken from the community in an overnight attack on the palace of the Emir of Yashikira.

The police are yet to issue an official statement on the incident.

The development comes after bandits on Saturday night invaded a prayer ground at Ori-Oke Ajaiye, on the outskirts of Ikiran village in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, killing three worshippers and abducting 15 others during a vigil.

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Glo Celebrates Oba Adetona’s Legacies at Ojude Oba 2026

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Africa’s biggest corporate supporter of culture, Globacom, is commemorating the life and legacy of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, at this year’s Ojude Oba Festival, marking the 21st consecutive year of its sponsorship of the cultural event.

This year’s edition, themed “Ojude Oba 2026: Celebrating the Legacy of Oba Sikiru Adetona,” is taking place at the Festival Pavilion opposite the royal palace in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.

The celebration pays glowing tribute to the remarkable accomplishments of the late monarch, who transited on Sunday, July 13, 2025, after an illustrious reign spanning 65 years.

The departed monarch ascended the throne on April 2, 1960, and during his reign, the profile and prestige of the Ojude Oba Festival grew tremendously, making it one of Africa’s most celebrated cultural events.

In a statement issued in Lagos, Globacom posited that Oba Adetona’s unwavering dedication to preserving and promoting Ijebu culture, traditions, and values was a major factor behind the company’s continued support for the festival.

According to the company, “This year’s celebration goes beyond our traditional role as sponsor over the past two decades. It is an opportunity to honour the exceptional legacy of the revered monarch, Oba Adetona, whose vision and commitment elevated Ojude Oba to its present status.”

Globacom recalled that the late Awujale played a pivotal role in transforming the festival into a unifying platform that brought together Ijebu sons and daughters from across the world, regardless of religious affiliation.

This inclusive vision and royal leadership, said Glo,  inspired the company to begin sponsoring the festival 21 years ago. Over the years of Globacom’s sponsorship, Ojude Oba has evolved into a globally recognized cultural celebration, attracting thousands of visitors and dignitaries from within and outside Nigeria.

The company reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining its support for the festival as part of its broader objective of showcasing Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage to the world.

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