…Akotogbo, Iyansan to host Ondo South Senatorial District project for farmers
The Ondo State Government has secured 10,000 hectares of land in Akotogbo and Iyansan, both situated in the Southern Senatorial District, for a large-scale agricultural initiative.
This project, undertaken in collaboration with the Commonwealth Women’s Network, is designed to support women and young people by offering opportunities in farming, processing, packaging, and marketing within the agricultural sector.
Wemimo Akinsola, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Agriculture and Agribusiness, announced the development on Friday in Akure, stating that the initiative is primarily targeted at women and youth.
He elaborated that the project will encompass cultivation, production, processing, packaging, and distribution, converting the 10,000 hectares into a key agricultural centre in the Southern Senatorial District.
The chosen location benefits from access to water, a crucial factor for successful farming operations. Furthermore, with the planned seaport in the region and the existing airport in the state capital, Ondo is strategically positioning itself for future agricultural exports.
Akinsola underscored that this is a $200 million venture executed in partnership with the Commonwealth Women’s Network to drive large-scale agricultural development and economic progress in the area.
He stressed that the land, acquired through the Ondo State Agribusiness Empowerment Centre (OSAEC) under the Land Banking Scheme, is set to become a significant agricultural hub.
Akinsola further stated that the initiative aligns with the state government’s goal of establishing Ondo as a premier agribusiness destination in Nigeria, ensuring that both smallholder farmers and large-scale investors benefit from modern farming techniques, international market access, and enhanced productivity.
Mr Niba Louis, Cabinet Director of the Commonwealth Women’s Network, confirmed that the organisation will provide the essential funding, training, and technical expertise required for the project.
He stated that the initiative is expected to create employment for over 3,000 individuals, primarily farmers, with the focus on increasing their efficiency rather than displacing them. According to him, the objective is to make agriculture more viable and sustainable.
A local farmer, Mr Shola Adeniyan, expressed his enthusiasm for the project. Sharing his observations from Ese Odo, he noted that while many believe land availability is a challenge, his visit to the designated site proved otherwise. He encouraged fellow farmers to seize the opportunity and maximise the potential of the land.