The Obafemi Owode Local Government has entered into a major agricultural investment partnership with South African firms, Izindonga Group and Maya Foods, in a move expected to strengthen food security, create employment opportunities and deepen agro-industrial development in Ogun State.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed by the Executive Chairman of Obafemi Owode Local Government, Amb. Adesina 'Lanre Ogunsola, will facilitate the establishment of an integrated poultry and agricultural value-chain investment in the Obafemi axis of the council area.
The agreement was formalised following an inspection tour of the proposed project site by representatives of the South African investors, after which the delegation was hosted at the council headquarters in Owode-Egba.
Speaking during the engagement, Ogunsola described the partnership as a strategic milestone aimed at transforming the local economy through modern agribusiness initiatives. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting farmers’ interests, empowering youths and women, promoting food sufficiency and creating sustainable economic opportunities for residents.
According to him, the investment will integrate local farmers and stakeholders into the production and processing chain, while opening new market opportunities capable of stimulating growth across the agricultural sector.
The council chairman also highlighted ongoing efforts by the Ogun State Government under Governor Dapo Abiodun to encourage public-private partnerships and position the state as a leading agro-export hub in Nigeria.
As part of the investors’ visit, Ogunsola led the delegation on a tour of the Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport, which he described as a strategic infrastructure designed to connect local agricultural producers directly to global markets.
He further accompanied the team to the Ogun State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, where they met with the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Bolu Owotomo, to discuss the long-term economic and agricultural benefits of the project.
“Today’s visit is both strategic and symbolic. It reflects our shared commitment to enhancing partnerships that will drive food security, economic growth and sustainable livelihoods for our people,” Ogunsola stated.
He added that the success of the project would depend heavily on institutional collaboration, policy alignment and technical support from the state government, particularly in areas such as regulatory compliance, farmer integration and agricultural extension services.
Responding, Commissioner Owotomo commended the council chairman for aligning with the developmental vision of the state government through initiatives targeted at boosting protein production and strengthening the agricultural value chain.
The commissioner urged the investors to expand their focus beyond poultry into other viable agricultural sectors, noting that Ogun State possesses enormous potential for agro-industrial growth.
He disclosed that the state had developed the Ogun State Farmers Information Management System (OGFIMS), a digital database containing detailed records of more than 160,000 registered farmers across different agricultural value chains.
“Ogun State remains the industrial capital of Nigeria with strong proximity to Lagos and other South-West states. We have abundant agro-based raw materials and a secure environment for investment,” Owotomo said, assuring the investors of government support for their operations.
Speaking on behalf of the investors, Chief Executive Officer of Izindonga Group and Maya Foods, Zakhele Maya, expressed satisfaction with the reception accorded to his team and the level of support shown by stakeholders and residents in Obafemi Owode.
He revealed that the proposed project is expected to generate more than 5,000 jobs for youths and women, while significantly contributing to efforts aimed at combating unemployment and food insecurity across Africa.
Zakhele Maya announced that site clearing and construction of poultry pens and other supporting infrastructure would commence in September this year.
“It is time for African countries to work together to fight food insecurity and unemployment,” he said.
The project also received royal endorsement from the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, who offered prayers for the success of the investment initiative and encouraged the investors to proceed with confidence.
The royal father was joined by traditional rulers from Owode, Orile-Imo and other host communities during the engagement.
Stakeholders believe the partnership could become a model for public-private agricultural collaboration in Nigeria, while positioning Obafemi Owode as a major agribusiness hub in Ogun State.
