Governor Aiyedatiwa Approves $42m Agricultural City Initiative in Ondo State

News in brief:

-Ondo State launches $42 million integrated 'Agric City' to boost food production and agro-industrial development.

-Project to generate thousands of jobs, attract private investment, and enhance climate-smart farming.

Ondo State has approved a $42 million Agricultural City initiative aimed at accelerating food production, expanding agro-industrial capacity, and boosting employment across the state. Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa described the project as a core pillar of his administration’s long-term economic diversification agenda.

Officials say this city will serve as a central hub for processing, mechanised farming, research, and value-chain development across multiple commodities, positioning Ondo as a major agribusiness destination in Nigeria.

Integrated Farming, Technology and Youth Inclusion at the Core

According to government sources, the Agric City will feature:

-Modern farming clusters and processing zones

-Technology and training centres for youth agripreneurs

-Irrigation and water-management systems

-Storage and logistics infrastructure

-Residential zones and agro-allied industrial parks

Private investors, both local and foreign, have already expressed strong interest in the initiative.

Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasises that the approval underscores his commitment to food security, innovation, and economic empowerment, particularly as global food systems face increased supply risks.

Phased Execution to Support Value Addition

The $42m investment will be executed in three phases:

-Phase One: Land preparation, major infrastructure works, and demonstration farms showcasing climate-smart practices.

-Phase Two: Installation of agro-processing factories for cassava, cocoa, maize, oil palm, and horticulture.

-Phase Three: Digital farming solutions, agricultural innovation partnerships, and advanced farmer training.

The governor stated that integrated processing would significantly reduce post-harvest losses and enable farmers to scale production profitably.

20,000 Jobs Expected as Local Economy Strengthens

Stakeholders have welcomed this timely development, especially for farmers facing high input costs and limited market access. Early projections suggest that the initiative could create over 20,000 direct and indirect jobs across various sectors, including engineering, quality control, logistics, packaging, and agribusiness management.

Farmer groups believe the project will help curb rural-urban migration by creating new opportunities within local communities.

Government officials confirmed that several agribusiness firms are already in discussions to establish operations within this hub once infrastructure is ready. These investments could drive export-oriented production in commodities where Ondo holds a competitive advantage, including cocoa, cashew, palm oil, vegetables, and timber.

Driving Climate Resilience and Sustainability

Plans for the hub include renewable energy infrastructure, climate-smart agricultural technologies, and training for extension workers to provide support during the adoption process.

These components will help farmers adapt to climate pressures while safeguarding the environment.

Governor Aiyedatiwa assured that accountability and transparency will guide implementation, with close collaboration from development partners and financial institutions.

Community Support with Commitment to Fair Processes

Residents in beneficiary areas expressed optimism about improved access to roads, electricity, water, and markets. Community leaders, however, urged the state to ensure fair land compensation and continuous stakeholder engagement. The state pledged full compliance with best practices in land governance.

Analysts say the success of the Agric City project could redefine Ondo’s agricultural landscape, thereby deepening food security, export earnings, and economic stability.

For the Aiyedatiwa administration, this is a bold investment in growth, innovation and prosperity, and a significant step toward a stronger agricultural future for Ondo State.