By Duchess Ifeoluwa 

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has secured strategic partnerships and investment prospects with international agricultural and private sector organisations following a high-level mission to the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) in Rome, Italy, and a subsequent visit to Amsterdam, Netherlands, to explore solutions to coastal erosion and sea incursion.

The mission, which took place from October 29 to 30, 2026, focused on attracting investment into Ondo State’s agricultural sector, strengthening technical cooperation and exploring sustainable approaches to environmental challenges confronting coastal communities.

A statement issued on Tuesday by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, said the engagements had opened opportunities for international partnerships, investment mobilisation and technical support for the state’s development priorities.

According to the statement, Aiyedatiwa’s visit to the FAO headquarters was anchored on his participation in a high-level global exchange titled “Investable Beans: De-risking and Financing Forest-Positive Supply Chains”, alongside bilateral meetings with senior FAO officials, technical teams and private sector leaders.

At the event, which attracted delegates from 19 countries, the governor highlighted Ondo State’s agricultural potential and his administration’s commitment, under the OUR EASE Development Agenda, to transforming the state from primary agricultural production into a competitive centre for agribusiness, processing and value addition.

Speaking during a high-level reflections session, Aiyedatiwa emphasised the need to pursue increased agricultural productivity, forest conservation and improved farmers’ livelihoods as complementary objectives.

He also highlighted the state’s investments in rural security, feeder roads and access to land for investors, citing existing private sector investments, including Johnvents Industries Limited, as evidence of Ondo’s readiness for agro-industrial development.

As part of efforts to attract investment into the cocoa value chain, the governor held discussions with the management of Ferrero Group, led by its Group Head of Cocoa Value Chains, Mr Nicola Somenzi.

The discussions centred on possible partnerships for local processing of cocoa into liquor, butter and powder, technology transfer, long-term offtake arrangements and job creation.

The statement said Ferrero had indicated its willingness to conduct internal consultations and re-engage with the Ondo State Government by the end of November 2026, with a possible scoping visit to the state in early 2027.

Aiyedatiwa also secured a commitment from the FAO Investment Centre to provide technical support for the development of bankable investment proposals and the organisation of an Ondo State Agrifood Investment Summit.

The proposed summit will be preceded by a joint FAO-Ondo State scoping mission to identify priority agricultural value chains, assess infrastructure requirements and facilitate targeted engagement between investors and relevant stakeholders.

In another development, the state formally expressed interest in having Akure, the state capital, enlisted in the FAO Green Cities Network to promote sustainable urban development, urban agriculture, green enterprise and circular economy solutions.

The state is expected to designate a lead institution to commence the application process.

The governor also drew attention to the environmental challenges confronting Aiyetoro and other coastal communities in Ilaje Local Government Area, particularly sea incursion and coastal erosion, during discussions on possible technical assistance and climate financing for a comprehensive coastal resilience programme.

In furtherance of the search for lasting solutions, Aiyedatiwa visited Amsterdam, Netherlands, where he met environmental experts and inspected equipment designed for environmental protection, with particular attention to erosion control, sea incursion and land reclamation.

The governor also held discussions with representatives of companies that have expressed interest in partnering with the Ondo State Government on land reclamation and sustainable coastal protection measures for communities in Ilaje and other riverine areas.

His meeting with the FAO Deputy Director-General and Director of Cabinet, Mr Godfrey Magwenzi, also reaffirmed the existing partnership between the organisation and Ondo State, as both sides explored ways to deepen cooperation.

To sustain the gains from the mission, the governor is expected to approve the establishment of a joint FAO-Ondo State technical coordination mechanism, authorise formal engagement with prospective investors and initiate processes for the state’s Green Cities Network application.

The proposed follow-up actions will also include the development of a coastal communities’ resilience programme, with particular emphasis on protection and reclamation initiatives.

Members of the Ondo State delegation to Rome included Dr Nifesimi Ogunkua, Climate Change Specialist and FAO Nigeria Team Lead for Climate Change, Environment and Biodiversity; Dr Paul Oluikpe, Acting Director, Development Finance Department, Central Bank of Nigeria; Mr Omolakin Anthony, Administrative Secretary, Ondo State Cocoa Revolution and Management Agency; and Mr Olusanya Abayomi, Chief of Protocol to the Governor.

Aiyedatiwa reiterated his administration’s commitment to attracting credible investments, creating employment opportunities, retaining more value from the state’s agricultural produce and building a climate-resilient economy.