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In an effort to boost agribusiness sector, Ondo State Government has attracted a multi‑million‑naira agricultural city to Iju‑Agbonrin/Ori‑Ohin in Ose Local Government Area.
This was achieved through Framework for Responsible and Inclusive Land‑intensive Agriculture (FRILIA) initiative, which is aimed at supporting agricultural development.
Disclosing the new development, the state Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Engr. Leye Akinola, said the state government was set to provide all necessary support and enabling environment for agriculture to thrive.
He said the state government is poised to ensure investors’ funds are not wasted.
Akinola on Saturday signed a land‑lease contract on behalf of the state Government between community landowners and KONIG Agriculture Ltd., a subsidiary of MOJEC International Holdings, which is investing in the agricultural city.
He said the initiative was expected to boost agricultural development and economic growth in the state.
According to Akinola, the Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa-led administration would continue to welcome and partner with any reliable investor in the agricultural sector.
He noted that unemployment and insecurity in the area would be dramatically reduced because the company would employ people from the host community.
The commissioner, therefore, appreciated Governor Aiyedatiwa for signing Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) with the investors which allowed the commencement of the project.
He disclosed that the state Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry would stand as guarantor for the land, families and owners, as requested by the company.
Engr. Akinola also commended his predecessor, High Chief Olayato Aribo, who started the project, saying he inherited the file, asked questions about it, and presented it to the Governor, who graciously approved after being properly briefed.
The Commissioner assured the people of the state that the Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa-led Aiyedatiwa administration is prioritising the agricultural sector to achieve sufficient food production and security.
According to the Commissioner, with the new investment, the Northern Senatorial District of the state would witness an unprecedented agricultural revolution through aggressive development.
He also disclosed that the moribund Akunnu Cattle Ranch built by the Western Region government would be revived and put to use, as investors have arrived and everything is set to resuscitate the ranch.
The Permanent Secretary of the state Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (Agric sector), Mrs. Foluke Tunde‑Daramola, who also signed as a witness on behalf of the state, commended the Governor for supporting and ensuring the project became a reality.
She appealed to leaders of the host community to encourage their youth and women to be ready to work, stressing that the project would provide employment and eliminate joblessness.
In his remarks, the Chairman, Ose Local Government, Hon. Kolapo Ojo, appreciated Governor Aiyedatiwa for approving the project’s location in Ose.
Ojo noted that the Governor could have relocated it to Ilaje or another local government but chose to keep it in Ose.
He added that Ose ranks 17th in revenue generation in the state, appreciating the Commissioner for securing the project’s location and vowed to support it, assuring adequate security for personnel and equipment at all times.
Mrs. Justina Arogundade, representing FRILIA explained that the company promotes sustainable and responsible large‑scale agricultural investment.
She said the framework seeks a “win‑win” outcome through community consultation, environmental and social sustainability, and fair compensation, ensuring that investments benefit both private investors and local communities.
Mr. Oluwasegun Nurudden Saliu, project lead of KONIG Agriculture Ltd., lauded the state government for attracting the project and for its unwavering commitment to seeing it realised. He said 60 % of the workforce would be sourced from the community and that the company would add value through corporate social responsibilities (CSR) such as boreholes, solar power and a health facility on the farm, with services extended to the public.
Speaking on behalf of the landowners and the community who leased their land for the project, Mr. Monday Olomolehin expressed the community’s happiness at having the company in their town and pledged to do everything necessary to ensure its success.
He appreciated the state government for bringing the investment to Ose and prayed that all would benefit from the agricultural project sited there.
The event was witnessed by the State Action for Business Enabling Reform (SABER), of which FRILIA is one of the pillars.
The State SABER focal person, Dr. Adeola Along, said the arrangement followed the tenets of SABER because the land was graciously released by the owners and the community was involved in every step taken.
