By Tolulope Eniola
Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has wooed international investors and secured strategic partnerships during a high-level mission to the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) in Rome, Italy, while also exploring global solutions to coastal erosion and sea incursion affecting communities in the state.
The engagements, which took place between October 29 and 30, 2026 and included a strategic visit to Amsterdam, Netherlands, focused on attracting investments into the state’s agricultural sector, strengthening international cooperation and exploring sustainable solutions to environmental challenges.
At the FAO headquarters in Rome, Aiyedatiwa participated in a high-level global exchange titled “Investable Beans: De-risking and Financing Forest-Positive Supply Chains,” where he showcased the state’s agricultural potential and his administration’s commitment to transforming Ondo from a primary production centre into a competitive hub for agribusiness, processing and value addition.
Speaking during the high-level reflections session attended by delegates from 19 countries, the governor emphasised the need to pursue increased agricultural productivity, forest conservation and improved farmers’ livelihoods as complementary objectives.
He also highlighted the state’s investments in rural security, feeder roads and access to land for investors, citing existing private sector investments, including Johnvents Industries Limited, as evidence of Ondo’s readiness for agro-industrial development.
As part of efforts to attract more investments into the cocoa value chain, Aiyedatiwa held discussions with the management of Ferrero Group, led by its Group Head of Cocoa Value Chains, Mr Nicola Somenzi.
The discussions centred on possible partnerships in local cocoa processing into liquor, butter and powder, technology transfer, long-term offtake arrangements and job creation.
Ferrero Group expressed willingness to undertake internal consultations and re-engage with the state by the end of November 2026, with a possible scoping mission to Ondo in early 2027.
Similarly, the governor secured a commitment from the FAO Investment Centre to provide technical support for the development of bankable investment proposals and the organisation of an Ondo State Agrifood Investment Summit.
The proposed summit will be preceded by a joint FAO-Ondo State scoping mission to identify priority agricultural value chains, assess infrastructure requirements and facilitate targeted engagements with potential investors.
In another development, the state formally expressed interest in having Akure, the state capital, enlisted in the FAO Green Cities Network to promote sustainable urban development, urban agriculture, green enterprises and circular economy solutions.
The state is expected to designate a lead institution to commence the application process.
The governor also drew attention to the environmental challenges confronting Aiyetoro and other coastal communities in Ilaje Local Government Area, particularly the effects of sea incursion and coastal erosion.
The engagements explored opportunities for technical assistance and climate financing to develop a comprehensive coastal resilience programme for the affected communities.
In a related development, Aiyedatiwa visited Amsterdam, Netherlands, to explore practical solutions to the environmental challenges facing Ondo’s coastal communities.
During the visit, the governor met with environmental experts and inspected equipment and technologies for environmental protection, with particular attention to erosion control, sea incursion and land reclamation.
He also held discussions with representatives of companies that have indicated interest in partnering with the Ondo State Government to develop sustainable land reclamation and coastal protection solutions for Ilaje and other riverine communities.
The governor’s meeting with the FAO Deputy Director-General and Director of Cabinet, Mr Godfrey Magwenzi, also reaffirmed the longstanding relationship between the organisation and Ondo State, with both parties expressing commitment to deepening their cooperation.
To sustain the gains of the international engagements, Aiyedatiwa is expected to approve the establishment of a joint FAO-Ondo State technical coordination mechanism, authorise formal engagements with prospective investors and initiate processes for the FAO Green Cities application and the proposed coastal resilience programme.
The Ondo State delegation to Rome included Dr Nifesimi Ogunkua, Climate Change Specialist and FAO Nigeria Team Lead for Climate Change, Environment and Biodiversity; Dr Paul Oluikpe, Acting Director, Development Finance Department, Central Bank of Nigeria; Mr Omolakin Anthony, Administrative Secretary, Ondo State Cocoa Revolution and Management Agency; and Mr Olusanya Abayomi, Chief of Protocol to the Governor.
The governor reiterated his administration’s determination to attract credible investments, create employment opportunities, retain more value from the state’s agricultural produce and build a climate-resilient economy for the people of Ondo State.
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