The Ogun State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to achieving food security, promoting mechanised agriculture and empowering rural communities with the official handover of developed agricultural farmland to landless youths and women in Odogbolu Local Government under the State Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) initiative.
The symbolic handover ceremony, held on Thursday, July 9, 2026, was performed by the Ogun State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Bolu Owotomo, through the Executive Chairman of Odogbolu Local Government, Hon. Dr. Babatunde Oyetola Diya, marking another milestone in the state's agricultural transformation agenda.
The event began with a courtesy visit to the palace of the Mogoosu of Ibido-Ogbo, His Royal Highness, Oba Temitope Oyekunle Oyenuga, Olufemiloye I, where the council chairman sought royal blessings for the successful implementation of the project. The traditional ruler welcomed the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention capable of improving livelihoods, creating employment and stimulating economic activities within the host communities.
Addressing participants at the handover ceremony, Dr. Diya reiterated his administration's unwavering commitment to promoting mechanised agriculture, strengthening food security, empowering youths and women, encouraging agribusiness development and driving rural prosperity in Odogbolu Local Government.
He expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the Renewed Hope Agenda, which has prioritised agriculture as a strategic pillar for national economic growth. He also lauded the Governor of Ogun State, Prince (Dr.) Dapo Abiodun, CON, for his visionary leadership and sustained investment in agricultural development across the state.
The chairman equally commended the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Bolu Owotomo, for ensuring that Odogbolu Local Government emerged as one of the major beneficiaries of the SAPZ initiative, describing the programme as a life-changing opportunity for young people and women with genuine interest in farming.
Delivering the keynote address, Hon. Owotomo disclosed that a total of 279 hectares of farmland had been developed across six locations in Ogun State under the first phase of the State Agro-Industrial Processing Zones programme.
According to him, Ibido-Ogbo received 44 hectares of developed farmland allocated to 44 beneficiaries, while Imodi received an additional 10 hectares, further expanding access to productive farmland for local farmers.
The Commissioner announced that all beneficiaries would receive improved seedlings and agrochemicals at no cost to support successful cultivation. He, however, stressed that the allocated farmland remains non-transferable, warning beneficiaries against any attempt to sell, lease or assign their plots to third parties.
"This programme is designed to empower genuine farmers, particularly landless youths and women. The government expects every beneficiary to cultivate the land productively and contribute meaningfully to the state's food production drive," he stated.
Responding to concerns raised over the poor condition of roads leading to farming settlements, Hon. Owotomo assured residents that the matter would be communicated to Governor Dapo Abiodun for necessary intervention, acknowledging that good road infrastructure remains essential for efficient transportation of farm produce and sustainable agricultural development.
He also appreciated the SAPZ-IFAD Programme, development partners, contractors, host communities and all stakeholders whose collaboration ensured the successful delivery of the project.
Earlier, the Project Engineer, Engr. Egunjobi, advised beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity by embracing modern farming techniques, proper soil management practices, effective weed control and integrated pest management in order to improve productivity and profitability.
He noted that the long-term success of the programme would depend largely on the commitment of the beneficiaries to efficient farm management and responsible utilisation of the government-provided facilities.
In separate goodwill messages, the Mogoosu of Ibido-Ogbo, the Member representing Odogbolu State Constituency, Hon. Lukman Adeleye, the Supervisor for Agriculture, Hon. Afuwape Fakoya, as well as former Local Government Chairmen present at the occasion, commended Governor Dapo Abiodun, Commissioner Bolu Owotomo and Hon. Dr. Babatunde Diya for prioritising agricultural development as a catalyst for economic growth and rural transformation.
They observed that the SAPZ initiative would not only improve food production but also reduce unemployment, discourage rural-urban migration and enhance the socio-economic wellbeing of farming communities. They, however, appealed to the state government to complement the intervention with improved road infrastructure to facilitate easy movement of farm inputs and produce.
The event also featured colourful cultural displays as the Obadara Traditional Band entertained dignitaries and guests during the earlier visit to the palace of the Mogoosu, adding traditional splendour to the ceremony.
Also speaking at the event, the State Programme Coordinator of SAPZ, Engr. Ibrahim Busi, commended Hon. Dr. Diya for his exemplary leadership and unwavering support for the successful implementation of the programme. He equally appreciated the people of Ibido-Ogbo for their cooperation throughout the execution of the project.
The handover ceremony attracted government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders, farmers, beneficiaries, political office holders, development partners and residents, all of whom described the initiative as a significant step towards achieving sustainable agriculture, food sufficiency and inclusive economic development in Ogun State.
With the allocation of developed farmland, provision of free agricultural inputs and continued government support, stakeholders expressed optimism that the SAPZ initiative would significantly increase agricultural productivity, create employment opportunities and strengthen Ogun State's position as one of Nigeria's leading agricultural investment destinations.
