Governor Aiyedatiwa assures investors of support for massive agric investment

…Says Ondo will support investments that create jobs, drive economic growth

By Tolulope Eniola

Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting large-scale agricultural investments, assuring prospective investors that the state government is ready to provide the enabling environment for businesses that will create jobs and stimulate economic growth.

The governor gave the assurance on Tuesday while receiving the Chairman of Time Developers Limited, Mr. Yemi Aminu, alongside representatives of a Chinese agro-allied company, who paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House in Akure to present plans for a major agricultural investment in the state.

The proposed project, which includes the acquisition of up to 100,000 hectares of land for agricultural production and processing, is expected to boost food production, create employment opportunities and strengthen Ondo State’s position as one of Nigeria’s leading agricultural hubs.

Describing the proposal as a clear demonstration of the investors’ capacity and commitment, Governor Aiyedatiwa welcomed the initiative, stressing that his administration remains open to partnerships that will accelerate the state’s economic development.

“If you are asking for 100,000 hectares, that is a huge investment. That means you have the capacity and you are ready to invest heavily in our agricultural sector,” the governor said.

“Let me first of all show you that our arms are wide open to receive you,” he added.

The governor explained that while securing 100,000 hectares of land in a single location could be difficult, the government would work with the investors to identify suitable locations across the state based on the type of crops to be cultivated.

He noted that different parts of Ondo State possess comparative advantages for various agricultural products, citing the southern senatorial district as particularly suitable for palm cultivation while emphasizing that palm production could thrive in other parts of the state.

“You cannot get such size of land in one particular area. It’s huge. So, if eventually they will be able to work it out, you should be ready to have it in different locations,” he said.

Governor Aiyedatiwa directed relevant government agencies to guide the investors in identifying suitable land, reiterating his administration’s determination to attract more investments into the agricultural sector.

Highlighting Ondo’s agricultural potential, the governor described the state as Nigeria’s leading cocoa producer and one of the country’s foremost agricultural destinations.

“Ondo State is known for agricultural enterprise. We are the largest producer of cocoa in Nigeria,” he said, adding that the state government had recently partnered with investors to distribute improved seedlings free of charge to farmers in a bid to enhance agricultural productivity.

He also pointed to the success of existing large-scale agricultural investors such as JB Farms, SAO Agricultural Services and Topics, noting that their presence underscored Ondo’s suitability for commercial agriculture.

Reaffirming his administration’s investment-friendly policy, the governor assured the delegation that Ondo remains one of the safest states in Nigeria for businesses.

“You don’t need to be afraid of anything in bringing your investment to the state. If it is not safe, we won’t bring you here,” he assured.

Earlier, the Chairman of Time Developers Limited, Mr. Yemi Aminu, said the company was partnering with Chinese investors to replicate a successful agricultural model observed during a visit to China.

He explained that the decision to bring the investment to Ondo State was influenced by his connection to the state and the immense opportunities available in its agricultural sector.

According to him, the company approached President Bola Ahmed Tinubu before seeking the support of the Ondo State Government to facilitate the project.

“We are here to seek your support and see how best you can help us to push this project,” Aminu said, expressing confidence that the state would support the initiative despite the challenge of securing the required land in one location.

The meeting was attended by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Seun Osamaye; Commissioner for Finance, Mrs. Omowunmi Isaac; Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr. Johnson Alabi; Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr. Abiola Olawoye; Member representing Akure South Constituency I in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Olajide Oguntodu; Chief Executive Officer of the Ondo State Investment Promotion Agency (ONDIPA), Barr. Emmanuel Omomowo; and Chairman of the Ondo State Agricultural and Employment Committee (OSAEC), Hon. Rotimi Wemimo Akinsola.