By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
The Ondo State Government has acquired 10,000 hectares of land in Akotogbo and Iyansan, both in the Southern Senatorial District, for the first phase of an ambitious agricultural project aimed at boosting food production and empowering farmers, particularly women and youth.
Announcing the initiative in Akure, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Agriculture and Agribusiness, Mr Wemimo Akinsola, described the project as a transformative effort that will cover the entire agricultural value chain, including cultivation, processing, packaging, and marketing.
He highlighted the strategic importance of the chosen location, which has ample water resources to support farming activities and is well-positioned for future exports, given the planned seaport in the region and the existing airport in Akure.
The project, valued at $200 million, is a collaboration between the Ondo State Government and the Commonwealth Women’s Network.
Akinsola stated that the land acquisition was facilitated through the Ondo State Agribusiness Empowerment Centre (OSAEC) under the Land Banking Scheme, positioning the state as a leading agribusiness hub in Nigeria.
He stressed that the initiative is designed to integrate both smallholder farmers and large-scale investors, equipping them with modern agricultural techniques and access to global markets.
Mr Niba Louis, Cabinet Director of the Commonwealth Women’s Network, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to funding the project and providing essential training and technical expertise.
He noted that the initiative is expected to generate over 3,000 jobs, predominantly for farmers, and aims to enhance agricultural productivity rather than displace traditional farming practices.
Excitement over the project is already building among local farmers. Mr Shola Adeniyan, a farmer from Ese Odo, dismissed concerns about land scarcity and encouraged fellow farmers to seize the opportunity.
He described the land as vast and fertile, urging stakeholders to make the best use of it for sustainable agricultural development.
