Gov Aiyedatiwa approves declassification of 100,000 hectares for cash crop expansion

…Says Ondo Open for Business

…Flags Off Noreta Farms

By Precious Oluwole

In a bid to accelerate economic development through agriculture, Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has approved the declassification of 100,000 hectares of land for the cultivation of oil palm, cashew and cocoa across the state.

The Governor made this known on Thursday during the groundbreaking ceremony of Noreta Farms in Owena-Idanre, where he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to leveraging agriculture as a key driver of economic growth, job creation and revenue generation.

Governor Aiyedatiwa described Ondo State as open for business, stressing that his administration has deliberately positioned the private sector at the heart of its development strategy, in line with its OUR EASE policy thrust.

According to him, the government alone cannot drive sustainable growth and industrialisation, hence the continuous efforts to create an enabling environment through policy clarity, improved infrastructure, ease of doing business and enhanced security across the state.

He assured investors of the safety of their investments, noting that the state government has strengthened its security architecture through intelligence-led operations and collaboration among security agencies and local communities.

Speaking on the Noreta Farms project, the governor described it as the kind of investment the state seeks to attract, noting that the technology-driven, environmentally sustainable and commercially viable agribusiness aligns with the administration’s vision of economic diversification, food security, youth empowerment and export-oriented agriculture.

He said the smart, precision greenhouse farming project would not only boost agricultural productivity but also create jobs, facilitate skills transfer and open access to wider markets, particularly for young people interested in modern agriculture.

Governor Aiyedatiwa further noted that agriculture remains one of Ondo State’s greatest comparative advantages, adding that his administration is focused on moving beyond subsistence farming to value-chain-driven agriculture that treats farming as innovation, industry and enterprise.

He revealed that the state has become a major supplier of tomatoes to Lagos State, attributing the development to the adoption of Climate Smart Agriculture, aimed at increasing productivity while enhancing resilience and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The governor also disclosed that several investors, including JB, SAO Farms, Tropic, Bambi Palms, ACME Farms, Bola Oil and others, are already investing in oil palm production in the state, contributing significantly to employment generation and economic growth.

He expressed confidence that the Noreta Farms project would serve as a catalyst for attracting more investors into the state’s agricultural sector, urging partners and innovators to key into the government’s vision of a peaceful, productive and prosperous Ondo State.

Governor Aiyedatiwa assured the promoters of Noreta Farms of the state government’s continued support, policy stability and institutional cooperation to ensure the success and sustainability of their investment.

In his welcome address, a member of the company’s Board of Directors, Pelumi Olajengbesi, said the decision to locate the project in Ondo State followed careful evaluation of government support, security and the enabling environment for private sector participation across the southwest.

“Noreta Farms is leading innovation in farming today in Nigeria and it is our desire to see that this company contributes towards food security and development in the country,” Olajengbesi said.

He emphasised that the project is designed to thrive in Ondo State due to the supportive business environment created by the state government, commending the leadership of Governor Aiyedatiwa for facilitating the project and describing their support as instrumental to its success.

“This project will bring development for our people. It will create employment opportunities and stimulate growth in the state,” he said, adding that the initial phase would cover 15,000 hectares under Precision Green Farming, also known in the United Kingdom as closed-environment farming.

Olajengbesi further revealed that the long-term vision for Noreta Farms is to establish the largest market farm in West Africa, leveraging the strategic support of the state government.

Also speaking, a consultant, Samuel Bagnor, expressed gratitude to the governor for placing trust in the company and selecting them as the technological partner for the project.

 

Among those in attendance were Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Engr. Leye Akinola; Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Adesoji Afolabi; Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Hon. Sunday Olajide; Special Adviser to the Governor on Communication and Strategy, Barr. Allen Sowore; Chairman, SUBEB, Rt. Hon. Victor Olabimtan; Director-General, OSRC Media Group, Mr Kenneth Odusola-Stevenson; Special Assistant to the Governor on Community Integration, Mr Muyiwa Ogunyemi; Ondo State Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal; and State Commandant of NSCDC, Commandant Oluyemi Ibiloye, among other senior government functionaries.