The Ondo State Government has secured 10,000 hectares of land in the Southern Senatorial District for a $200 million agricultural project aimed at boosting food production, job creation, and economic development.
Announcing the initiative at a stakeholders' meeting in Akure on Friday, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Agriculture, Wemimo Akinsola, stated that the project, in partnership with the Commonwealth Women's Network, will provide opportunities for young people and women in agribusiness.
Transforming Ondo into an Agricultural Hub
The land was acquired through the Ondo State Agribusiness Empowerment Centre (OSAEC) under the land banking scheme and will serve as a major agricultural hub.
According to Akinsola, the project will cover planting, production, processing, packaging, and marketing, effectively transforming the 10,000 hectares into a fully integrated agricultural zone.
"The selected location provides access to water, which is essential for successful agricultural activities," he noted, adding that the planned seaport and the existing airport in the state capital will help position Ondo for future agricultural exports.
Boosting Agribusiness and Job Creation
The initiative aligns with the Ondo State Government's vision to make the state a leading agribusiness hub in Nigeria. It will equip both smallholder farmers and large-scale investors with modern agricultural techniques, enhancing productivity and access to global markets.
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Speaking on behalf of the Commonwealth Women's Network, Cabinet Director Niba Louis highlighted the organization's role in providing funding, training, and technical expertise for the project.
The initiative is expected to employ over 3,000 workers, with a focus on empowering farmers rather than replacing them. "The goal is to make farming more accessible and sustainable," Louis stated.
Farmers Welcome the Opportunity
Excited about the project, local farmer Shola Adeniyan urged fellow farmers to embrace the opportunity and maximize the available land for agricultural expansion.
What You Should Know
The Ondo State Agribusiness Empowerment Centre (OSAEC) was established to revolutionize agriculture through skill acquisition programs for unemployed youths. It operates as an agricultural business facilitator rather than a direct producer, working to improve the state's economic outlook through agribusiness.
With this investment, Ondo is positioning itself as a key player in Nigeria's agriculture and agribusiness sector, creating employment opportunities, boosting food security, and driving economic transformation.
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