Johnvents Expands Processing Footprint in Ondo, Links Farmers to Global Markets

News in brief:

-Johnvents Group has established 10 agro-processing factories in Ondo State to boost value addition.

-The company aims to reduce raw commodity exports and integrate local farmers into global value chains.

Private sector investment is increasingly driving value addition in Ondo State’s agricultural sector, with multinational agribusiness firm Johnvents Group positioning the state as a key hub within its global value chain.

Founder and Group Managing Director of Johnvents Group, Mr John Alamu, said the company’s investments are designed to reverse Nigeria’s long-standing dependence on raw agricultural exports by expanding local processing and manufacturing capacity.

Alamu spoke during the Ondo @50 Golden Jubilee celebrations, where he highlighted the role of agro-processing in transforming agricultural economies and creating sustainable jobs.

Tackling Raw Commodity Exports

Alamu noted that Ondo State remains one of Nigeria’s leading cocoa-producing states, where farming has sustained rural livelihoods for decades. However, he said much of the cocoa produced in the state has historically been exported in raw form, limiting Ondo’s participation in the global chocolate market, estimated to be worth over $130 billion.

He explained that Johnvents’ operations in the state were deliberately structured to close this gap through integrated value-chain development.

“Our focus is on processing agricultural commodities where they are grown, creating jobs locally and producing goods that can compete in international markets,” Alamu said.

Ten Factories Connect Farmers to Industrial Value Chains

According to the Johnvents chief executive, the company has established 10 factories across Ondo State, linking farmers directly to processing facilities and industrial production.

He said the model connects agriculture to manufacturing, supports industrial activity and has positioned Johnvents as one of the largest employers of labour in the state.

“Ondo State has grown cocoa and other crops for decades. Our goal is to process these commodities locally, build competitive products and strengthen the state’s industrial base,” he added.

Human Capital Central to Sustainable Industrial Growth

Alamu stressed that value addition extends beyond physical infrastructure to include human capital development across the agricultural and industrial ecosystem.

“It is about people, farmers, technicians, engineers and young professionals, who together form the foundation of a sustainable industrial economy,” he said. “With the right policies and infrastructure, Ondo State can deepen value addition and strengthen its position in regional and global markets.”

Beyond cocoa processing, Johnvents’ operations cover a wide range of agricultural and consumer segments, including cashew, sesame, legumes, almonds, pistachios, rice, edible oil, animal feed, fast-moving consumer goods and logistics.

The company operates across several countries, with activities extending beyond Nigeria into other parts of Africa and international markets. According to the firm, this positions Ondo State at the centre of its broader global value chains.