The Ondo State Government has secured 10,000 hectares of land in Akotogbo and Iyansan, both in the Southern Senatorial District, for a large-scale agricultural initiative aimed at boosting agribusiness and economic development.
This initiative, in partnership with the Commonwealth Women’s Network, is designed to empower women and youth by creating opportunities in cultivation, processing, packaging, and marketing within the agricultural value chain.
Speaking in Akure on Friday, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Agriculture and Agribusiness, Mr. Wemimo Akinsola, highlighted that the project would transform the acquired land into a major agricultural hub.
He emphasized that the initiative encompasses planting, production, processing, and distribution, ensuring the full development of the agricultural sector in the region.
“The location was strategically selected due to its access to water, a critical factor for agricultural success. Additionally, with plans for a seaport in the region and an existing airport in the state capital, Ondo State is positioning itself for future agricultural exports.”
Akinsola revealed that the $200 million project, executed through the Ondo State Agribusiness Empowerment Centre (OSAEC) under the Land Banking Scheme, aligns with the government’s vision to make the state a leading agribusiness hub. The initiative aims to enhance both smallholder and large-scale farming by introducing modern techniques, improving productivity, and providing access to global markets.
Mr. Niba Louis, Cabinet Director of the Commonwealth Women’s Network, affirmed the organization’s commitment to funding, training, and offering technical expertise for the project. He noted that over 3,000 jobs would be created, primarily for farmers, with a focus on enhancing productivity rather than replacing existing agricultural workers.
A local farmer, Mr. Shola Adeniyan, expressed optimism about the project. Sharing his experience from Ese Odo, he countered the perception of land scarcity, stating that his visit to the proposed site proved otherwise. He encouraged farmers to seize the opportunity and maximize the available resources for agricultural development.
