By Ibikunle Kayode
In a strategic move to boost agricultural growth, create jobs and strengthen food security, the Executive Chairman of Obafemi Owode Local Government, Ogun State, Ambassador Adesina ‘Lanre Ogunsola, FCPA, has embarked on an investment mission to South Africa to attract major agribusiness investors into the local economy.
The Chairman is in South Africa to conclude partnership discussions with Izindonga Group and Maya Foods, a multinational agribusiness company, on the establishment of a fully integrated poultry value chain in Obafemi Owode Local Government. The proposed investment will cover parent stock development, commercial poultry production, processing, cold-chain distribution and an energy-efficient waste-to-power system.
Speaking during high-level engagements with executives of the Izindonga Group and Maya Foods, Amb. Ogunsola described the initiative as a transformational project capable of addressing Nigeria’s poultry supply gap while creating sustainable employment opportunities for youths and women in Ogun State.
He commended the Chief Executive Officer of Izindonga Group and Maya Foods, Mr. Zahkele Maya, for his vision and willingness to partner across borders to unlock shared economic opportunities within Africa. According to him, meaningful progress is achieved when committed partners collaborate to solve common challenges and drive inclusive development.
Amb. Ogunsola noted that the proposed integrated poultry project aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as well as the ISEYA development mantra of Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON. He added that the investment also reflects the sustainable economic transformation agenda of his administration in Obafemi Owode Local Government.
“This project is not just ambitious; it is transformational. It will uplift communities, improve food security, empower our youths and strengthen Africa’s agricultural resilience,” he said.
Reaffirming the readiness of the local government to support the initiative, the Chairman outlined a series of commitments aimed at creating an investor-friendly environment. These include immediate land allocation for phased project implementation, fast-tracking of regulatory approvals in collaboration with state and federal authorities, provision of critical infrastructure support, guaranteed security and community cooperation, as well as advocacy for tax incentives, import duty waivers and pioneer status recognition.
He further pledged support for engagement with key regulatory agencies such as the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and relevant veterinary regulatory bodies. A Dedicated Investment Desk will also be established to serve as a one-stop liaison office for investors.
Amb. Ogunsola stressed that the agreement represents more than a business deal, describing it as a development catalyst for Obafemi Owode Local Government, Ogun State and both partner countries. He assured Izindonga Group and Maya Foods of transparency, fast-tracked documentation, accountability and sustained partnership.
The Chairman also highlighted a recently formalised bilateral agricultural cooperation agreement with the Mayor of Dover, Delaware, United States of America, Honourable Robin R. Christiansen. He disclosed that ten hectares of land have already been allocated in Obafemi Owode for agricultural expansion, research and innovation, youth agro-entrepreneurship, and cultural and diplomatic cooperation.
In his response, Mr. Zahkele Maya expressed delight at hosting the Ogun delegation and praised the leadership and institutional readiness of Obafemi Owode Local Government. He described the council area as a strategic location with strong potential for integrated agribusiness investment.
“The clarity of vision and enabling policies demonstrated by the local government give us confidence in the long-term sustainability of this partnership,” Maya said, while assuring that Izindonga Group would return to Ogun State by the end of January 2026 for site inspection and immediate commencement of the project.
As part of the visit, the delegation toured key components of Izindonga Group’s operations, including broiler production clusters, feed management systems, live-bird handling facilities, advanced processing plants and cold-chain infrastructure. Visits were also made to facilities in Standerton, including the COFCO processing plant and Astra commercial operations, with assurances that similar facilities would be replicated in Obafemi Owode.
Founded in 2004, Izindonga Group has grown into an African-owned integrated poultry and food processing enterprise, operating across production, processing, logistics and value-added manufacturing, guided by global best practices and strict quality standards.
Members of the Ogun delegation included Hon. Ajayi Adekunle, Chief Whip and Councillor representing Owode Ward; Mr. Kayode Alebiosu, Director of Agriculture and Natural Resources; Dr. Lekan Ogunjobi, Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, among others.
The visit underscores Obafemi Owode Local Government’s commitment to leveraging international partnerships to drive economic growth, enhance food security and position Ogun State as a hub for sustainable agribusiness investment in Nigeria.
